Who do you bench and why?

Steph. 

Shaq.  FTs are the determining factor.

I look at KD as being the one to sit. Everything he does can be picked up by someone else and defensively he's the weakest.

Kobe. He and Jordan are the same player, but Jordan is superior, obviously.

Still not enough help for LeBron...

46 minutes ago, bugatti said:

Kobe. He and Jordan are the same player, but Jordan is superior, obviously.

I was going to say KD until I read this.  Kobe's my answer too.

Probably Kobe but I would be thrilled about my sixth man. 

I can't answer the "who", but I will try with the "why".  You keep the 5 who not only are great individual players, but they make the others around them better.  You bench the one who is the least capable of being both.

Why would you not want both Jordan and Jordan 2.0 both in the game? MJ and Kobe interchangeable at the 2 and 3 would be devastating. Let LBJ run as a Point-4 with Steph spotting up or running curls and Shaq on the blocks. Defensively would be stronger than with Durrant in for Kobe or Curry, too.

Bench KD. Steph and Shaq are both stronger off the ball. LeBron keeps everyone involved. Kobe and MJ are Kobe and MJ.
 

I wouldn’t argue too strongly against KD over Steph if you’re convinced MJ and 2.0 are good with setting 60+ screens per quarter. Or KD over Kobe if you want a little more length in the backcourt. 

On 8/17/2022 at 11:55 AM, bugatti said:

Kobe. He and Jordan are the same player, but Jordan is superior, obviously.

I hate to sit Kobe, but that was my answer for the exact same rationale.

Funny thing with those 6 five of them can handle the ball you might as well sit Shaq because if MJ and Kobe are on the floor he is never going to touch the ball anyway. ?

Anyone choosing Kobe to bench over Steph is no longer allowed to talk basketball with me.  Thems the rules.