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The Los Angeles Lakers are making a change to their starting lineup ahead of their Game 6 matchup against the Miami Heat on Sunday. Alex Caruso will start over Dwight Howard, according to Stadium’s Shams Charania.
Howard provided a punch for the Lakers off the bench before earning a starting spot in the playoffs, but he was one of several role players who fell short of expectations in Game 5. Howard recorded a measly 2 points and 2 rebounds in 15 minutes against Miami his last time out. It appears like Los Angeles feels Howard will be better as a spark plug off the pine. Caruso wasn’t great in Week 5 either .The guard notched 3 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, and a steal in 23 minutes. He’ll likely split time with Rajon Rondo, who logged 18 minutes in Game 5.
Howard getting moved to the bench could mean that Anthony Davis will spend more time at center. Miami’s smaller, versatile lineup has given Los Angeles trouble. If the Lakers opt to play small ball, the game script could favor Markieff Morris and Kyle Kuzma getting more time.