Lakers: Three-Pointers Defining Early Season Struggles
On the season, the Lakers are making (4) three point shots per game. Their opponents are making 11 three point shots a game, a league high. Consequently, the Lakers are being outscored 33-12 from behind the arc
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There is a reason the analytics people, and Mike D’Antoni himself, believe the three point shot is the most efficient shot in basketball. Three is better than two. When you can’t make threes and the other team can, you have to do so many other things to compensate, such as rebounding, scoring in the post, creating turnovers and getting to the free throw line. It makes the game harder. It puts more strain on perimeter players to be skilled in areas they are not comfortable in.
The Lakers are a pretty good offensive rebounding team. They get 12 offensive rebounds per game. But unlike most NBA teams, they do not pass out of the post to the perimeter for an open shot, taking advantage of defenders who are scrambling and out of position. Instead they grab their own rebound and work the ball back into paint or just inside the arc where they take the bulk of their shots. But by then, the defense has recovered enough to guard shooters, most of whom are not a threat to put the ball on the floor and drive to the rim.
The absence of a three point threat allows defenses to shrink the court. Without space to work with, the offense is always in a position of having to make a contested shot instead of an easy one. There is a reason why Wayne Ellington is shooting 54%. He is coming off of screens and most often is unguarded.
The Lakers score 102 points a game which isn’t bad. But they don’t shoot the ball well enough at 43% given the pathetic nature of their defense. They don’t have the ball movement, perimeter shot making or point guard leadership to be able to trade baskets which is why, in their close games, they cannot finish. Yes, their defense is atrocious but their offense doesn’t execute either.
For those wondering how all of this stacks up with a D’Antoni team, last year the Lakers scored nearly the same amount of points as they are scoring this year, 103 points per game. They shot 45% from the field, 38% from three. This year they are shooting 43% from the field, 32% from three. Kobe Bryant‘s frequent free throw trips is making up for the lack of three point scores.
Last year the Lakers were 29th in scoring defense. This year they are 30th. Last year their opponents shot 46%. This year their opponents are shooting 49%. Last year the Lakers took 26 three point shots. This year they are taking 14. Last year the Lakers grabbed 9 offensive rebounds per game. This year they average 12 offensive rebounds.
Last year, after 5 games, the Lakers were 2-3. They had given up 545 points.
This year, after five games, the Lakers have given up 584 points. They are winless, can’t make three’s, and Charles Barkley may die of starvation. His hunger strike continues until the Lakers win.