Rotation Trust Level: Could JJ Redick expand the Lakers’ rotation?

Stuck in the middle of a three-game losing streak, could JJ Redick be eyeing a change to the Lakers rotation?

The Lakers have a lot of figuring out to do. After a six-game winning streak brought lots of hope and excitement, a three-game losing streak has brought some violent whiplash in the other direction.

There are multiple issues that need fixing, including a starting lineup and rotation that seems broken.

The reintroduction of Rui Hachimura into the starting lineup paired with a bench that continues to struggle has left the Lakers with problems with both the starters and reserves. And the result of all of that is that JJ Redick spoke pregame on Tuesday about expanding and altering the rotation.

Whatever changes he was considering before the Suns game will likely be shifted into another gear following another second-half rout, mirroring the weekend’s game against the Nuggets.

So, if a lineup and rotation change is coming, who can the Lakers trust?

Let’s dive into this week’s look at the rotation. As a point of reference moving forward, we’ll listen what we consider the current Lakers starting lineup, especially with how often it’s changed in the last week.

Also, it feels pretty pointless to include Jaxson Hayes in this, considering it looks likely his return to the rotation was just a one-game cameo after an injury on Tuesday.

Starters: Austin Reaves, Cam Reddish, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Anthony Davis

D’Angelo Russell

For as much as I want to credit D’Lo for being a floor general and setting the table, he’s just been so bad shooting the ball. Over the week since our last piece, he’s shot just 31.3% from the field and 3-19 (15.8%) from the 3-point line.

He is averaging 15 assists and has a 5:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, but his value is just severely hampered if he can’t score.

Gabe Vincent

There isn’t anything new to really hash out on this. Vincent had more fouls (5) than field goals (4) over the last week. There isn’t a need to expand the rotation simply to include him. He needs to be out of the rotation.

Christian Koloko

A whirlwind of a weekend for Koloko, who went from in the rotation, to out of it after Jaxson Hayes returned on Tuesday, to likely back in it after Hayes reaggravated the injury at the end of the game.

For his role, Koloko has been fine. You can’t really have that high of expectations of a two-way big who is playing his first basketball in over a year.

Max Christie

Well, Christie has at least done enough to earn regular rotation minutes again. And over the last three games, he’s shooting 8-12 from the field and 2-4 from the 3-point line.

Is it the season perhaps some expected from the start? Probably not. But he’s a regular rotation figure and earned his way into that spot. But there’s still work to be done.

Dalton Knecht

Knecht’s move back to the bench has hurt him more than I expected. If there’s a change to make, it’s likely to reinsert him into the starting lineup.

After going bonkers against Utah, Knecht has struggled, hitting just 5-15 from range and 12-28 overall. He’s a rookie, though, so the up-and-down play should be expected.

And even then, he’s still finding ways to contribute. His 13 rebounds and third-most over the last three games, behind just AD and LeBron.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.