Rotation Trust Level: Another starting lineup change?

Since acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith, questions about the starting lineup have arisen. Should the Lakers make another starting lineup change?

In acquiring Dorian Fonney-Smith, the Lakers landed a 3-and-D wing that perfectly complements its two superstars.

While it’s still early and DFS and the Lakers are still working out the early growing pains, it’s already clear how well he will fit with the team. With a history of playing next to stars, the acclimation process for DFS has been accelerated.

It’s raised questions about whether the Lakers should look to make another starting lineup change. At the very least, the Lakers have added another dependable player to the rotation.

And on that topic, let’s dive into our latest rotation trust level piece.

Starters: Austin Reaves, Max Christie, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Anthony Davis

Dorian Finney-Smith

DFS still has had rocky moments and is learning much about the Lakers — including how great Anthony Davis is — but it’s evident that he will be a big boost for this team.

The question is, would he be more impactful as a starter? Redick has spoken about a desire to stick with a starting lineup and not keep changing it, but is his hand forced here?

Gabe Vincent

Vincent has missed much of the past week due to injury, which is a shame because he was really becoming a dependable player. In the one game back, he looked rusty but that’s to be expected.

With D’Lo gone, the Lakers will need Vincent to step up. This also means the ball should be in his hands more, which could help him contribute even more.

Dalton Knecht

It’s been a very up-and-down season for the rookie guard, but it does look like he may be turning a corner. He’s found his shot again and, even though he had zero points against Houston, he had 13-point games on either side.

His defense, though, is still far from being even passable. As the games matter more and more, it’s going to be harder to justify keeping Knecht on the floor if everyone is blowing by him.

Jaxson Hayes

I’m really trying to give some benefit of the doubt to Hayes after missing a lot of time, but it’s getting harder and harder to do so.

The area that’s always going to jump out on the box score is the rebounding. Over the last three games, he has six total rebounds. Mix that with his lack of defense and it’s hard to justify giving a 7-footer playing time if he can’t rebound or defend the rim.

On top of that, considering how much Redick has leaned more and more on a small ball look, especially since adding DFS, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s phased out of the rotation.

Cam Reddish

I think we’re officially counting the days on Reddish being in the rotation with the recent update on Jarred Vanderbilt.

Reddish had his chances to solidify a spot in the rotation. And he’s proven that he’s the same Cam Reddish he’s been his whole NBA career.

Shake Milton

Another new addition to the roster, Milton made it pretty clear early on that he’s little more than a throw-in on this deal. Defensively, he is an absolute mess, which is why his minutes on the court have rapidly decreased.

Offensively, he has one of the most aesthetically displeasing jumpers I’ve ever seen from a player in a Lakers jersey. That doesn’t mean he’s bad, but it does irrationally influence my opinion.

Christian Koloko

Technically, Koloko’s only played once over the last week and is pretty much out of the rotation when Anthony Davis is active. But I think there’s an increasingly strong argument for playing him over Hayes just for what he can bring defensively.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.