Lakers Tinker with Frontcourt Size as Redick Experiments with Big Lineups
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Lakers have spent much of this season leaning into the modern NBA trend of playing smaller, quicker lineups - often with just one true big man on the floor. But in recent games, head coach JJ Redick has flipped the script, rolling out larger frontcourts, and the early returns are promising. The mix of size, physicality, and post presence has caught the attention of teammates and opponents alike - including Luka Doncic, who’s been impressed with the new look.
Drew Timme, who’s steadily worked his way into the rotation, has seen increased minutes alongside Deandre Ayton and Jarred Vanderbilt. That trio even shared the floor during the Lakers’ win over the Toronto Raptors last Sunday - a rare sight in today’s pace-and-space NBA. After the Lakers’ tough loss to the Clippers on Thursday, Doncic didn’t hold back in praising the impact of the big-man rotation.
“Obviously we’ve got some more post games,” Doncic said. “I feel like Drew has done an incredible job of playing the right way and playing his game - props to him.
I think he just fits this team. And obviously Vando was unbelievable.
He’s in every game fighting, so we just got to help them out.”
It’s not just about size for the sake of size. The trio brings different tools to the table.
Timme’s footwork and feel in the post give the Lakers a different offensive wrinkle. Vanderbilt’s energy and defensive versatility continue to be a spark.
Ayton, with his size and touch around the rim, remains a steady presence in the paint.
But Redick isn’t married to one look. The Lakers’ comeback win over the Mavericks on Saturday was a reminder of just how versatile this roster can be.
Down double digits in the fourth quarter, Redick went small - really small. The closing lineup featured Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart in the backcourt, with LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Jake LaRavia filling out the frontcourt.
The shift paid off, as the Lakers stormed back to steal the win.
This kind of flexibility has been a hallmark of Redick’s coaching approach since day one. He’s made it clear that rotations will remain fluid, with decisions based on matchups, game flow, and momentum. One night it might be a jumbo frontcourt pounding away in the paint; another night, it’s a switch-heavy, perimeter-focused group closing things out.
After the Raptors game, Redick acknowledged that even he had to do a double take when he saw the size of the lineup he’d put on the floor.
“You get the clipboard, and we had talked about it so I knew it was coming, but still it was a little jarring to see Vando, Drew, DA, LeBron - that’s a big lineup,” Redick said. “They did a good job playing out of the post during that stretch, and we were also able to get some stops and run, so I thought they did a good job.”
That’s the key - it’s not just about parking bigs in the paint and slowing the game down. The Lakers have found ways to blend size with tempo, using their length to generate stops and get out in transition. It’s not easy to find that balance, but when it clicks, it gives the Lakers a different kind of edge.
As the season progresses and the playoff picture starts to take shape, Redick’s willingness to experiment could pay dividends. Whether it’s going big to control the glass or going small to speed things up, the Lakers are showing they can win in multiple ways. And in a league where adaptability is often the difference between a first-round exit and a deep postseason run, that kind of versatility is invaluable.