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Los Angeles Lakers top 5 pick and roll combinations

By Charlie Fischer

PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers huddles his team up during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 18, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers huddles his team up during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 18, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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4. LeBron James and Lonzo Ball

Any pick and roll involving LeBron James are sure to be somewhat effective, no matter who he is paired with. The Lonzo Ball pairing is a great option because they are both such excellent passers.

Lonzo has the height advantage over most point guards with his 6″6 size, but still has the quickness to blow by bigger defenders. The advantage of using LeBron here is that if the defense switches, that would put a point guard on him. Much like the Cleveland Cavaliers would do; force a switch to get Steph Curry on LeBron, then exploit the mismatch.

While Lonzo’s shot has shown solid improvement so far this season, he would need to keep up the pace over a longer stretch before being considered a better shooter than Rondo. The LeBron/Rondo combo is slightly more deadly because Rondo is a better finisher than Ball now. If the pick and roll are switched, Rondo has slightly better odds of scoring on a blow by compared to Lonzo.

LeBron is a very good screen setter when he wants to be and Lonzo is as well when he is able to get in position. With both players committed to the fundamentals, this combination could become a favorite for the Lakers to run.

Lonzo has above average ball handling skills but could work to improve them some more as the season progresses. Rondo gets the slight edge in handles, who has some exceptional ball handling capabilities; the time he played against the Miami Heat with one arm dislocated is one example.

As the season progress, Lonzo and LeBron might become more and more deadly, but for now, it’s slightly behind the Rondo/LeBron combo.

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