Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Nailing Down the Los Angeles Lakers' Playoff Rotation

And just like that, the NBA Playoffs are here.

After a regular season that felt more like a 100-yard dash, the Los Angeles Lakers get set for their first playoff game on Sunday afternoon at home against the Denver Nuggets. 

Mike Brown has experimented numerous rotations this season. Towards the second half, he's been more consistent in terms of who he has been sending out during games and the rotation has been shortened.

However, because of the suspension to Metta World Peace for the next six games, Brown has some tough decisions to make. 

Let's take a glance at who the Lakers should start and sit this playoff season. 

Start 'Em No Matter What

The Los Angeles Lakers' starting five has not been an enigma this season. 

It's fairly obvious figuring out who four out of the five starters will be throughout the entire playoffs.

First off at center, Andrew Bynum is going to clog the paint and wreak havoc both offensively and defensively. His inside presence gives the Lakers a domineering size advantage over opponents. Bynum's ability to rebound and score from anywhere from inside to the mid-range, makes him an extremely dangerous threat that will be difficult to contain.

At power forward, the Lakers will use Pau Gasol. With Bynum taking care of the area under the rim, Pau will have the opportunity to roam outside and use his finesse game. He's been draining mid-range jumpers all season long and he has even incorporated the three-point ball in his game to an extent.

Kobe Bryant will be starting at shooting guard in the quest for his sixth championship. Everybody knows that the Black Mamba can strike at any time, from anywhere from the floor. He's a game-changing player who can take over a close contest and give his team the victory. That being said, the Lakers should be wary about the times when Bryant tries too hard to get out of shooting slumps, thus hurting the team.

Finally, Ramon Sessions will be running the point guard. Ever since he was acquired by the Lakers at the trading deadline, Sessions has given opponents a completely different look from the point. The Lakers are now a quicker team because of Sessions, who has been a solid facilitator and a distributor from the point position. 

This quartet will ultimately determine how far the Lakers go in the playoffs. That being said, they're going to need some contributions from off the bench if they want to reach their goal of winning a title. 

Questions at Small Forward

Ordinarily, Metta World Peace would be starting in every game at the small forward position. His stinginess on defense and his recent offensive outburst gives the Lakers an X-factor advantage over opponents.

However, World Peace is suspended for the first six games of the playoffs.

Because of that, we will most likely be seeing Devin Ebanks start games at the forward position. 

However, it might be wiser to start Jordan Hill, who has been used sparingly all season long, but has showed signs of great promise.

Per 48 minutes, Ebanks is averaging 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds. On the other hand, Hill's averages per 48 minutes are significantly better at 16.9 points and 16.2 rebounds. 

Although Hill did that mostly in Houston, his performance on Sunday afternoon against the Oklahoma City Thunder where he scored 12 points and 15 rebounds showed that he can put up similar numbers with the Purple and Gold.

Ebanks' player efficiency rating is well below average, too, at 7.67. The league average is 15. Hill's, on the other hand, is over 16. 

The numbers don't lie. The Lakers are significantly better off starting Jordan Hill over Devin Ebanks. Their size will also increase because Hill is an inch taller than Ebanks, giving them an even more physical edge. 

Bench Regulars

In the previous slide, I mentioned how Devin Ebanks shouldn't start at the small forward position. That being said, he would be a fantastic addition off the bench until Metta World Peace returns from his suspension. 

He should definitely be a part of the rotation until then.

Other bench regulars should only be limited to Matt Barnes and Steve Blake. These are the only two guys who have consistently shown something of value from the bench, especially Barnes.

Barnes' player efficiency rating is 15.56, which shows that he has been a little above average. That being said, he's a high energy guy who always brings something to the table. Recently, he's also been playing at a different level. He's been working well with Ramon Sessions and has thrived in the new offense.

As for Blake, his gameplay has been elevated in the last month as he has demonstrated his versatility by playing both guard positions. There are liabilities that come with Blake, but the Lakers hope he plays like the guy who's been draining threes and playing solid defense as of late. 

Caution: Use Sparingtly

Devin Ebanks should fall into this category once Metta World Peace returns.

He'll be joined by Josh McRoberts and Troy Murphy. These two guys should be used situationally, or when one of the Laker bigs has been struggling. 

McRoberts has put up some solid games as of late, but as a whole, he has his limitations defensively and has been a hassle to deal with. As for Murphy, he has had a forgettable season both shooting wise and on the defensive side of the ball. 

That being said, the duo can provide a spurt of energy sometimes and, in the playoffs, that may be enough to boost a team past an opponent.

Finally, Andrew Goudelock has shown that he deserves some playing time in the playoffs at the point guard position. Especially if Steve Blake struggles.

He hasn't had regular time ever since Ramon Sessions arrived, but his running hook and his ability to score by attacking the net has some value to it. For that reason, Goudelock has to be looked at.  

Bench Warmers

Christian Eyenga and Darius Morris most likely won't be seeing any playing time in this year's playoffs unless there's a major injury during a game or a huge blowout.