Whereas it’s straightforward to say the Lakers’ greatest lineups have Anthony Davis at middle, the numbers say the Lakers are greatest enjoying massive with one other participant at middle and Davis on the 4.

That’s how the Lakers will begin the NBA Finals in opposition to the Miami Warmth on Wednesday — and Dwight Howard will get the decision, the workforce introduced.

This begin was anticipated, particularly after how effectively Dwight Howard performed within the Denver collection in opposition to Nikola Jokic.

It creates an fascinating defensive alternative for Erik Spoelstra and the Warmth: Do they begin Bam Adebayo on Davis and have Jae Crowder on Howard, or reverse that. Adebayo is an All-Defensive Workforce participant who could also be the very best one-on-one matchup within the league for Davis, however does Spoelstra need to danger early foul bother for his star middle, and wouldn’t it put on Adebayo right down to should work so exhausting on each ends. Anticipate Crowder to start out on Davis and Adebayo to get the important thing minutes later within the sport.

The problem for the Lakers: Howard fouls loads.

“In all probability fouling,” Laker coach Frank Vogel mentioned when requested what was on the high of the workforce scouting report for the Warmth. “I believe they’re nice at attending to the free throw line. If we will play with self-discipline, not give them alternatives to shoot free throws, set their protection, that can assist us win video games, as a result of they’re nice at attending to the free throw line.”

Howard can’t mess that plan up for Los Angeles. However he’s going to get the prospect.

L.A. Lakers will keep massive, begin Dwight Howard at middle initially appeared on NBCSports.com