Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott is reportedly expected to make lineup changes in the coming days, with the possibility of adding a new player at the end of their three-game Eastern Conference road swing.
According to Lakers reporter Bill Oram of Orange County Register, Scott said he's now 'getting close to making lineup changes after suffering four straight setbacks.
Although the Lakers snapped their losing skid after edging the Eastern Conference powerhouse Toronto Raptors 129-122 at Staples Center on Sunday, changes could still take place as Scott tries to find the perfect lineup that will help them win more games.
Coney Hansford of Lakers Nation believed Scott might be looking to insert Ed Davis into the starting lineup, with Carlos Boozer now coming off the bench. There's also the possibility that Nick Young or shooter Wayne Ellington replaces Wesley Johnson to add the starting five more offensive firepower.
"The most obvious one and the one fans have been calling for is to insert Ed Davis into the starting lineup in place of Carlos Boozer. Davis is the team's best defender and has earned himself the chance to play more minutes, provided he can stay out of foul trouble," Hansford stated.
Jeremy Lin, who has been the Lakers' starting point guard since the opening day, could be taken out of his role by Ronnie Price. Lin might be performing better as of late, but placing him into the second unit would certainly give the Lakers another option off the bench.
"A Ronnie Price-Jeremy Lin swap could also be considered as Lin's offense could help the bench unit, and maybe Scott will look to get the rookie Jordan Clarkson some more minutes."
On the other hand, Scott also addressed the media that the team is also close to adding players via free-agency signing. The Lakers have been granted a couple of disabled player exceptions, and sources close to situation reported that they are going to use one of those privileges for forward Earl Clark.
"All signs point to that player being Earl Clark and he would be a very good signing, capable of playing both forward positions and adding solid defense to a team that lacks good defenders," according to Lakers Nation.
With the overtime win against the Raptors, the Lakers improved their record to 4-13 but they are nevertheless facing tough oppositions in the coming days as they take on the Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards and the Boston Celtics.
