1. Roster Breakdown
Starters: Dončić (PG), Reaves (SG), Hachimura (SF), James (PF), Hayes (C) .
Bench: Finney-Smith, Vincent, Vanderbilt, Goodwin, Knecht, Milton, Morris, Kleber, Bronny, Ryan .
Notable Exclusions:
- Two-way players Jamison & Kolok waived .
- Ryan’s inclusion questioned (1.6 PPG in regular season) .
Hot Take: 🏀 Bronny’s spot = PR win. Ryan’s? Desperation.
2. Frontcourt Crisis
- Failed Trade: Charlotte deal collapsed after Mayweather’s failed physical .
- First-Round Threat: Timberwolves’ Gobert (12.1 RPG) could dominate paint .
Stat Comparison:
| Player | RPG | Defensive Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Gobert | 12.1 | 105.3 |
| Hayes | 6.8 | 112.7 |
3. Controversial Calls
- Bronny’s Role: Minimal on-court impact (1.6 PPG) but boosts brand value .
- Goodwin Snub: Defense specialist (1.2 SPG) left out despite team’s perimeter struggles .
Analyst’s View: 🤯 Prioritizing Ryan over Goodwin? Lakers betting on size over stops.
4. Playoff Outlook
- X-Factor: Kleber’s potential return could shore up defense .
- Fan Verdict: “No center = no ring.” — Reddit user .
