Lakers Starting Lineup

PG - Luka Doncic

SG - Austin Reaves

SF - Rui Hachimura

PF - Lebron James

C - Jusuf Nurkic

++Why the Lakers do it? ++ Elite Rebounding

Without AD, the Lakers need a dominant rebounder, and Nurkić averages around 10+ rebounds per game. He helps secure second chances on offense and limits opponents' opportunities on defense.

Interior Defense AD's departure leaves a major hole in rim protection. While Nurkić isn’t as elite as AD defensively, he’s a strong presence in the paint and can hold his own against bigger centers.

Pick-and-Roll Chemistry with Luka Luka thrives with bigs who can set screens and finish at the rim. Nurkić is a great screener and can be a solid pick-and-roll partner.

Low-Post Scoring Without AD, the Lakers lose a key inside scoring option. Nurkić can back down defenders and finish with post moves, giving them an interior presence.

Toughness & Physicality The Lakers need enforcers in the paint, and Nurkić brings a strong, physical style of play that keeps opponents from dominating inside.

Passing & Playmaking from the Post Nurkić is one of the best passing big men in the NBA. He can facilitate from the top of the key or post, helping Luka and the offense flow smoothly.

Cost-Effective Move Unlike pursuing a superstar center, Nurkić could be acquired without sacrificing too many assets, leaving flexibility to make additional moves.

Lakers Need Size in the West With Jokic, Gobert, and Wembanyama in the conference, the Lakers must have a legitimate big man. Nurkić ensures they don’t get bullied inside.

Load Management for Luka & LeBron With Nurkić handling interior scoring, rebounding, and some defensive duties, Luka and LeBron don’t have to carry as much of the load.

++Why Lakers Sign Patrick Beverley? ++ Short and sweet answer - DEFENSE

++Why the Suns do this? ++ Improves Depth & Rotation Balance Phoenix has a top-heavy roster with stars (Durant, Booker, Beal) but lacks reliable depth. This trade gives them four rotational pieces instead of one center.

Upgrades Backup Guard Play Gabe Vincent is a proven playoff performer who can back up Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, providing defense, toughness, and shooting.

Younger & More Athletic Pieces Cam Reddish & Jaxson Hayes add much-needed youth, athleticism, and defensive upside to a Suns team that lacks quick, switchable defenders.

Christian Wood’s Scoring & Spacing Wood is a better offensive player than Nurkić, offering three-point shooting and inside scoring. He can be a stretch big next to KD.

More Playstyle Flexibility With multiple new pieces, the Suns can go big or small, unlike with Nurkić, who locks them into a traditional center lineup.

Salary & Contract Flexibility Wood, Hayes, and Reddish are on short-term deals, while Vincent’s contract is not as big as Nurkić’s. This gives Phoenix future cap flexibility.

Injury Insurance Nurkić has an injury history, and getting four players reduces risk—if one gets hurt, the team still has depth.

Better Fit Next to KD & Booker A defensive-minded big (Hayes) and a stretch big (Wood) are better fits next to Durant than a slow-footed center like Nurkić.

Fast-Paced Playstyle The Suns play at a faster pace, and Nurkić isn’t mobile enough. Hayes, Reddish, and Vincent fit a more up-tempo system.