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Los Angeles Lakers: Luke Walton wants 3-point shots scaled back

By Kenneth Teape

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 100-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 100-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton wants the team to shoot fewer 3-pointers.

During the offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to improve in two specific areas. Los Angeles wanted to improve defensively and shooting 3-pointers. Thus far this season, they have accomplished one of those things.

The Lakers defense is much improved from the 2016-17 season. Last season the Lakers were the easiest team in the NBA to shoot against. This season, coming into Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers were 10th in the NBA, allowing opponents to shoot 44.7 percent from the field.

In addition to the improved shooting percentage allowed, the Lakers are also ranked 4th in defensive rating according to Basketball-Reference. Last season the Lakers were last in the NBA in defensive rating according to Basketball-Reference.

Instead, it is on the offensive side of the ball that the Lakers are struggling. Head coach Luke Walton has wanted the team to push the ball, but they have struggled at times to score the ball.

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Los Angeles is middle of the road in shooting percentage, making 45.2 percent of their shot attempts, which is 16th in the league. The Lakers are averaging 104.3 points per game, which ranks them 18th in the NBA.

Those numbers aren’t horrible, but they could certainly be improved upon. While they are middle of the road in percentages and points scored, the Lakers are 28th in offensive rating on Basketball-Reference.

A big reason for that is the team’s three-point shooting. Saying the Lakers 3-point shooting has been poor this season would be an understatement. The Lakers have made only 28.7 percent of their 3-point attempts, which is by far the worst in the NBA; the next lowest is the Memphis Grizzlies at 28.7 percent.

As a result, it is something Walton would like to see less of. When talking to Lakers.com, Walton made it clear that he was hoping the Lakers would shoot fewer 3-pointers.

"After shooting just 7-of-25 on triples in Friday’s loss to Phoenix, Walton said that the team will have “every guy scale it back till we start making some more (3’s).”"

Three-point shooting has not been a productive part of the Lakers offense this season. However, the Lakers cannot really shoot fewer. They are already tied for 26th in the NBA in 3-pointers attempted per game, averaging 24.4. Only the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings average fewer per game.

The Lakers, however, make only seven per game, the fewest in the league. Right now, Jordan Clarkson leads the team in 3-point shooting percentage, making 37.5 percent. No one else on the team is above 32.5 percent.

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It is something the Lakers will have to work on to improve. It is not easy to win in today’s NBA without some players that can knock down perimeter shots. The Lakers have some players that can knock down perimeter shots, such as Brook Lopez and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but no one has gotten going from deep yet this season.

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