Lakers’ New Two-Big Experiment: As Trey Jemison’s $247.9Million Addition Sparks Interest in Dual Center Lineups…
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a new phase of experimentation under head coach Darvin Ham, and the latest addition to their roster may signal a shift in their playing style. JJ Redick, during a practice session today, revealed that the Lakers’ decision to sign 6-11, 270-pound center Trey Jemison to a two-way contract aligns with the coaching staff’s interest in exploring more two-big lineups. The idea is to pair Anthony Davis with another traditional center on the floor, potentially reshaping the Lakers’ approach to both offense and defense.
Trey Jemison’s Fit and Potential Impact
Trey Jemison, a towering presence with an impressive frame, adds depth to the Lakers’ frontcourt. Known for his rebounding prowess and defensive ability, Jemison provides a solid backup option to Davis in the center position. While he is still developing as a player, Jemison’s size and skill set give the Lakers the flexibility to experiment with different lineups, especially those featuring two big men. His presence on the roster suggests that the team might lean into a more physical and dominant interior game, both offensively and defensively.
The Lakers’ decision to sign Jemison to a two-way contract allows them to keep him within the system while offering him more opportunities to develop in practice and possibly earn minutes with the main roster. This move is indicative of the coaching staff’s recognition of the importance of building a versatile frontcourt, particularly in a league where size and rim protection continue to hold significant value.
Two-Big Lineups: The Evolution of the Lakers’ Strategy
Historically, the Lakers have thrived with versatile lineups that feature a blend of size and skill. In recent years, however, the trend in the NBA has leaned more toward small-ball lineups, prioritizing shooting, speed, and spacing. The Lakers, under LeBron James’ leadership, have found success with a more fluid and perimeter-oriented offense. Yet, with Davis’ elite shot-blocking ability and Jemison’s potential to provide a bruising presence, the team is looking at ways to reintroduce a more traditional style that features two bigs working in tandem.
Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter, emphasized that while the league has moved toward smaller lineups, the Lakers are trying to exploit mismatches that arise from pairing Davis with another center, such as Jemison. The combination could offer a defensive nightmare for opponents, with two shot-blockers and rebounders dominating the paint. On offense, this could lead to a more dynamic post-up game, pick-and-roll actions, and offensive rebounding opportunities that were less emphasized in recent years.
Advantages of the Two-Big Strategy
The primary benefit of deploying two big men on the floor is the potential for dominant paint control. With Davis and Jemison together, the Lakers could establish a physicality that few teams in the league can match. Both players excel at contesting shots around the rim, which could bolster the Lakers’ already formidable defense. Additionally, Davis’ ability to stretch the floor with his mid-range shooting, coupled with Jemison’s focus on rebounding and interior scoring, creates a complementary offensive dynamic.
Moreover, the two-big lineup could prove to be particularly effective in matchups against teams with dominant bigs, or when the Lakers need to assert their physicality in a game. It could also open up more opportunities for LeBron James to leverage his playmaking ability, finding Davis or Jemison in favorable positions around the basket.
Challenges and Considerations
While there are clear advantages to experimenting with a two-big lineup, there are challenges as well. The modern NBA places a premium on spacing and three-point shooting, areas where a traditional two-big lineup can sometimes struggle. The Lakers will need to ensure that their offense doesn’t become stagnant, relying too heavily on post-ups or clogging the paint. Additionally, both Davis and Jemison will need to be comfortable playing alongside each other without stepping on each other’s toes, particularly when it comes to positioning on defense.
The potential for defensive domination, however, outweighs the challenges. The Lakers have long been one of the league’s top defensive teams, and the added size of Jemison alongside Davis could turn their frontcourt into one of the most imposing in the league.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Lakers’ Rotation
The signing of Jemison, combined with the Lakers’ interest in experimenting with more two-big lineups, signals a shift in their approach to team-building. While it remains to be seen how often they will deploy this strategy, it is clear that the Lakers are willing to embrace versatility in their rotation. Whether this experiment will pay off in the form of more wins remains to be seen, but it provides an exciting glimpse into the team’s strategic direction.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, where small-ball lineups have become the norm, the Lakers are positioning themselves to be a more physical, dominant force in the paint. If this two-big experiment with Davis and Jemison proves successful, it could set the stage for a powerful shift in how teams approach roster construction and game strategy in the coming years.
