The Lakers have a roster that is far more balanced than the one they had at the beginning of August in 2022. It features coherent parts that make real sense together. There is a sense of legitimate depth, as well. But with these first world problems come challenging questions about how to divide up a limited amount of minutes.

Jovan Buha, who covers the Lakers for The Athletic, has a story up this week providing and early projection about who starts, who finishes, and how many minutes guys get.

Among the big questions:

• If the Lakers really do want to play Anthony Davis as a power forward as much as they did in earlier seasons, what does that do to LeBron James? To the rest of the forward rotation? Is it a good idea, before even unpacking whether Jaxson Hayes/center-not-yet-signed ought to be playing in the starting lineup?
• What does the point guard situation look like? Does D'Angelo Russell start? Assuming he does, will he finish games, or does that job go to Gabe Vincent, thanks to his better defense?
• Is everyone sure Rui Hachimura starts? How influential is he in answering the question about Russell vs. Vincent and those late fourth quarter minutes?

The whole conversation about Russell gets into his history, both with the Lakers and around the league, and the ways he's currently perceived. That all became relevant Wednesday as people reacted to Russell's appearance on the podcast of former Laker Pat Beverley, in which he (with some egging on by Beverley) seemed to agree that perhaps he wasn't as widely appreciated as he should be. (Not necessarily by the Lakers, per se, but the league broadly.)

Is he right? Is he wrong? Is this another moment where D'Lo isn't quite reading the room?

Finally, Austin Reaves is officially starting his run with Team USA in the World Cup. It's worth noting, an ascention like his, where a guy goes from undrafted to a national team in two seasons... well, it ain't the norm, that's for sure.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Is it practical for Anthony Davis to play power forward?

SEGMENT 2: D'Lo vs. Gabe Vincent. Who gets the start? Who gets the finish?

SEGMENT 3: Russell visits Pat Bev's podcast...

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Ibotta

Right now, Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code MLB when you register.Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app and use code LOCKED.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices