Lakers coach Luke Walton will monitor LeBron James’ minutes, plans to use deep rotation

"We're continuing to try and be our best season by season, but also as each one goes on," Walton told ESPN on Wednesday.

Published : Oct 18, 2018 09:55 IST

LA Lakers coach Luke Walton talks with LeBron James during a pre-season basketball game against Sacramento Kings.
LA Lakers coach Luke Walton talks with LeBron James during a pre-season basketball game against Sacramento Kings.
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LA Lakers coach Luke Walton talks with LeBron James during a pre-season basketball game against Sacramento Kings.

Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton plans to utilize a deep rotation in 2018-19.

Lakers re-signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and inked Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, Rajon Rondo as well as Michael Beasley to contracts after LeBron James announced he was joining the team in early July.

Walton told ESPN on Wednesday that he's aiming to use a variety of different lineup combinations this season.

“We want to play fast, and to do that we've got to get guys in and out and in and out. So, we'll get a good amount of guys out there," Walton said.

READ | NBA season preview 2018-19: LeBron the Laker, what it means

James averaged 36.9 minutes per game with the Cavaliers in 2017-18. Walton said he is hoping to bring that number down in order to keep his star “fresh” throughout the four-year contract he signed with the Lakers this summer.

“That's a goal for us,” Walton said. “And it's a goal that we're on a journey and it's not a one-year journey. We're continuing to try and be our best season by season, but also as each one goes on. And obviously he gives us the best opportunity to be at our best."

The Lakers will open the season Thursday against the Blazers.

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