The Los Angeles Lakers added a big star in LeBron James this offseason, and with that will have to come some changes to the offense.
This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to add their star when they signed LeBron James to a four-year deal. Getting James was a priority for the Lakers this offseason, and they were able to accomplish that goal.
By adding James, the Lakers are getting arguably the best player in the NBA. Over his career, James has mostly been the primary ball-handler on his teams. However, on the Lakers, he will be playing alongside both Lonzo Ball and Rajon Rondo, who are both traditional point guards.
With James coming to Los Angeles, changes are obviously going to be made to the offense compared to last season. Recently, Luke Walton talked to Matthew Moreno of Lakersnation.com about what the offense might look like next season. Here’s what he had to say.
"“We’ll change some things,” he acknowledged. “As far as how much, it’s too early to determine. There’s some things you don’t change, and that’s what builds your culture, who we are as an organization. But the style of play changes. You should change it depending on your personal, so we’ll take a deep dive into all the new guys and see what’s best for the group we have.”"
Seeing how the Lakers will play on offense will certainly be one of the more interesting things to watch for this offseason. Generally, James’ teams have surrounded him with three-point shooters to help space the floor. While the Lakers do have some players that are capable of being good three-point shooters, they have more play-makers on offense.
Adding James into the offense is certainly a good problem to have for Walton to work on. Since the Lakers do have some good point guards in Ball and Rondo, we might see James play a bit more off the ball this coming season. As an improved three-point shooter, James can certainly help the Lakers in that area.
Also, taking the ball out of James’ hands will allow him to play more in the post. Even though post play is a dying art in the NBA, James is a very tough cover on the low block. Without a true post threat on the team, James might be utilized in that area as well.
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Since James is a very versatile player, the Lakers will be able to test out works best for him in multiple spots. However, it is clear that Walton does believe he will have the ball in his hands a good amount despite the guards on the team.