NBA Los Angeles Lakers

Ryan Kelly Should Not Start At Small Forward For Los Angeles Lakers

Soobum Im - USA TODAY Sports

Soobum Im – USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers lost another game to the Houston Rockets on Sunday night as they continue their downward spiral towards one of the worst records in the league. The team showed little life and was clearly outmatched, although they did make a run towards the end that forced the Rockets to put their starters back in the game. It is clear that the organization is hoping to give more time to the younger players as they look towards the future, and Ryan Kelly is one who has seen an increase in his minutes.

However, giving him the starting nod at small forward is not the right move.

Kelly showed some promise late last season, although he did struggle for most of the year. This season, he has had to deal with injuries, but has finally found his way back onto the court. He has shown some potential as a stretch-four in the league, but has struggled to consistently produce. Forcing him to play out of position highlights his weaknesses even more, as evidenced by his poor performance on Sunday night.

Kelly is able to use his length and height to match up with some power forwards, but is often overmatched, even against the second unit. He does not possess ideal quickness or athleticism, which makes it even more confusing that the team is now putting him at small forward. The team put him there in spots last season as well, but he greatly struggled to keep up with the wing players and they would often have to send extra help his way.

The Lakers are right to give Kelly consistent playing time to see if he can compete with other talented players, but it is hard to justify them giving him those minutes at the small forward position. He cannot guard the perimeter players, and does not do enough on offense to offset his defensive deficiencies. The Lakers need to consider giving those starting minutes to someone else, and perhaps have Kelly come off the bench.

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