Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott has been constantly criticized for underplaying the young players of the team but all that could be a thing of the past, with reports that he plans to start giving the likes of Julius Randle, D'Angelo Russell, and Jordan Clarkson extensive minutes.
Randle has been putting up a good performance as of late for the Lakers, which is enough to convince Scott that the sophomore forward will be starting the rest of the way for Los Angeles.
Randle has been averaging in double-double figures (12.6 points and 12.6 rebounds) this month. This was largely because regular starter and rookie Larry Nance Jr. was injured, although the recent report is that the rookie is finally healthy.
Randle has proven to be more effective as a starter than someone who comes off the bench. He was relegated to a bench role last year and his numbers dipped significantly. It even came to the point where his frustrations showed until Scott had a heart-to-heart talk with the young forward.
While Randle will have a lock as a starter, could D'Angelo Russell get the nod as well?
It is no secret that Russell has been suffering with the system of Scott, and the two haven't exactly seen eye-to-eye. Jordan Clarkson has had his minutes, although one has to wonder if he can take the lead with more exposure.
The Lakers are preparing for the homestretch of the 2015–16 NBA season and much of it may be done experimenting which the team has practically been doing the whole season.
With the season lost, the Lakers are expected to rebuild yet again after the season. Kobe Bryant is retiring, opening up questions on who the Lakers could get to replace him as the franchise player.
Kevin Durant is on the radar, but word around is that the current Oklahoma City Thunder star is not prioritizing the purple and gold but the Golden State Warriors.
