The Los Angeles Lakers have three players on their roster who can help their offense in Nick Young, Ryan Kelly, and Xavier Henry. Individually, these three players can bring three-point shooting, scoring, and slashing, but more importantly, together they bring versatility to the offense.
January 31, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Nick Young (0) reacts after shooting a three point basket against the Charlotte Bobcats during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
When we watch the Laker offense, we see two different versions. We watch a lot of Kobe Bryant in isolation. It’s not just the Laker team that watches him, it’s the entire defense as well. Kobe Bryant goes to work, and there’s little to no spacing for him to drive or create a passing lane to a teammate. Having Nick Young on the team makes for another focal point on offense. As much as he loves to play in isolation and use his patent double-crosssover, step-back jumpshot, he does really well off-the-ball when Kobe Bryant is in isolation. In fact, it was Nick Young that maintained his scoring when Kobe Bryant was on the floor last season. He averaged nearly 17 points per game in just over 30 minutes per game during the five games that Kobe Bryant played last season. We may forget that Nick Young led the Lakers in scoring last season with 17.9 points per game on 43.5% shooting from the field.
There’s your second option on offense.
Mar 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young (0) celebrates with forward Ryan Kelly (4) against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Kelly is integral to Jeremy Lin‘s play. Depending on who is on the floor, Kelly can play two different roles. One role would be the stretch-four in a pick-and-roll situation. When Lin runs the play with Ed Davis or Jordan Hill, it would be Ryan Kelly in the corner waiting for the pass, similar to where Steve Novak positioned himself when Jeremy Lin was with the New York Knicks. The other position is where he is more directly involved. Ryan Kelly is the best shooter of the power forwards. Sometimes the Lakers just need a quick, quality shot. Lin has ran a few pick-and-pop situations with Jordan Hill, but it’s better for Hill to be rebounding underneath the hoop, while Kelly can extend the defense out to three-point range.
There’s your shooter on offense.
March 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Xavier Henry (7) moves the ball as guard Kent Bazemore (6) provides the screen against San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Xavier Henry isn’t in game shape just yet. Although he has played a few minutes on the floor, he doesn’t look comfortable with what he is doing on the floor. Last year, we saw the best slasher on the Laker team, consistently getting to the basket, and finishing creatively. The Lakers need another slasher outside of Jeremy Lin to keep defenses preoccupied, and that player is Henry. Nick Young is comfortable creating perimeter shots. Henry is the player with a crossover and a good first-step. Once he is able to draw in the defense, other players can get better looks at the basket altogether.
There’s your slasher on offense.
While different players were injured during various parts of last season, these three players combined for a scoring average of 36 points. The Lakers don’t need that much total output of the three players. At the same time, that’s a huge scoring gap to make up for, even with Kobe Bryant averaging nearly 30 minutes per game. Carlos Boozer isn’t making up for the loss of Pau Gasol just yet, averaging just under 10 points per game in 26 minutes of play.
Xavier Henry is slowly getting back into game shape. Ryan Kelly is probable for tonight’s game. Nick Young has roughly 2-4 weeks left for his thumb to heal.
It may be another month before we start seeing this trio play at their best, but when they do, the Lakers can function as a consistent offensive unit.