Why Is Rob Pelinka Talking "Pre-Agency" for the Lakers? And Should Dennis Schröder Still Start?

The Lakers will have at least one more game to play without LeBron James, who almost surely will miss Monday's game against Portland, and that shines a light (or a brighter light, to be specific) on the new guys. D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt (with Mo Bamba serving the last of his four game suspension) will be needed to help elevate the Lakers past the Blazers -- a team they're chasing in the West. So what changes will they bring? Does the additional shooting from Russell and Beasley, who have averaged seven and eight-plus 3-pointers a game this year on quality percentages, fundamentally alter the team's offense? Nobody left on the roster pushes pace like Russell Westbrook, but at the same time, nobody was a more awkward fit in the team's halfcourt sets, which have been... well, underwhelming throughout the year. Much of Darvin Ham's decision-making around personnel choices has seemed to be oriented around creating and capitalizing on opportunities to run. In part, it can be argued, because the team was so clunky in the halfcourt. So what are the chances Ham embraces different lineups, perhaps with more size, knowing the personnel are now available to go bigger (Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, Wenyen Gabriel)? How does the complexion of the guard-heavy lineups change without the presence of Westbrook and Pat Beverley? Is a three-guard lineup without them quite as problematic, given the replacements? All stuff we'll learn more about, particularly once LeBron is back in the lineup. Finally, GM Rob Pelinka spoke about "Pre-Agency" ahead of Saturday's big win over the Warriors. What is he getting at there, and why should Lakers fans be encouraged by it? Bottom line, the Lakers have a chance to build a young core of players that are legit rotation players, occupying a range of salary slots. All of this stuff is important for flexibility, especially for a team without a lot of draft capital to work with. And they got more value (in quantity, and likely quality) by making moves now than they could have had in the summertime. And, as Pelinka noted, the team also has the chance to create the type of cap space they've typically chased. (They just don't need to use it.) HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers have another game (at least) without LeBron. That puts more pressure on the new guys to come through. SEGMENT 2: Could Darvin Ham's rotation choices change now that the complexion of the team has changed, too? SEGMENT 3: Pelinka and "Pre-Agency." Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet to get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Free Bets – win or lose! Visit Fanduel.com/LockedOn today to get started 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