After a long period of observing the lineup during games and adjustments during training, when the starting lineup of Van Exel, Doug Christie, George Lynch, Zhang Hao, and Campbell was deployed, they immediately performed quite well.
Inside, Campbell can score off feeds in various positions. Mid-range, Zhang Hao provides spacing, George Lynch cuts in, Doug Christie handles the ball on the perimeter and shoots, while Van Exel plays as comfortably as he likes. His recent good performance is not just because of his good form; most crucial is that the coaching staff is deploying players and tactics around him during the starting phase, unlike mid-season when it was centered around Zhang Hao + Magic.
Facing Dale Curry's defense, Van Exel starts aggressively, scoring a string of three consecutive baskets for 7 points, helping the Lakers to a 7-2 start.
With Van Exel leading, the Lakers seized the upper hand in the opening, scoring 17 to 11 in half a quarter.
