Lakers Offseason: Breaking Down LA’s Offensive Struggles
By Eric Yee
Jul 13, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1), forward Larry Nance, Jr., (7) and center Robert Upshaw (12) looks on during an NBA Summer League game against the Knicks at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
1. Lack of Movement
The biggest problem the Lakers have is ball watching and lack of movement. The Princeton offense is most effective when the weakside is constantly moving, either setting back screens or cutting back door. If you watch Nets’ highlights from 2001-2003, you will notice that while Jason Kidd controls the majority of the offense, his supporting cast is in perpetual motion.
Ball watching is a common ailment when playing alongside Kobe Bryant and this completely kills this system which is only successful when all of the players flowing fluidly and reacting to the ball. That said, this same problem is apparent when watching the Lakers’ Summer League games.
Though Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell can be successful while on the court together, they are often caught standing around watching one another orchestrate the offense instead of moving off ball. This is something that Coach Scott must emphasize for the offense to yield dividends.
Next: Wasted Cuts and Weak Screens