Dwight Howard averaged 17.1 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 2013, and he did so while fighting a back injury that hampered him throughout the entire season.
Now, D12 is gone.
He’s a member of the Houston Rockets, but the Lakers have since dried their tears. Although this is still Kobe Bryant’s team, a lot of Mike D’Antoni’s offense is going to have to run from the inside-out—if he wants to keep his job, that is.
D’Antoni has been unclear about what the starting lineup will be next season, but he's going to have to tap into every bit of potential within his frontcourt in order to win.
Chris Kaman
After putting out an embarrassing—desperate, even—effort for Howard that ultimately led to heartbreak, Los Angeles went out and nabbed Chris Kaman.
The 10-year veteran is no Superman. What he is, though, is a productive and efficient big man who won’t be making headlines for feuds with Bryant or quarrels with his coach.
He’s going to show up every night, give a gritty effort and go home—no drama, controversy or nonsense.
According to Rotoworld, Kaman is the top center in the depth chart and is expected to start alongside Pau Gasol in the frontcourt.
Kaman has put up 11.8 points and eight boards per game over the course of his career, and Basketball Reference projects that he’ll average 17.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per 36 minutes in 2014 in addition to 20.7 minutes a night (per ESPN).
He won’t have as big of a role as D12 did last season, but that’s actually a good thing—it means more touches for the true centerpieces of the team.
Pau Gasol
When ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
