3. Improve their 3-point shooting
The best way for the Lakers to improve their 3-point shooting is through internal growth. Kuzma, Ingram, Ball, and Hart must get better at shooting the ball from distance.
Last summer Ingram and Kuzma focused much of their attention on getting stronger and improving their mid-range games.
Ingram: 2017-2018 mid-range stats
- 3-10 Feet: 20%, 10-16 Feet: 35%
Ingram:2018-2019 mid-range stats
- 3-10 Feet: 43%, 10-16 Feet: 39%
Kuzma: 2017-2018 mid-range stats
- 3-10 feet: 44%, 10-16 feet: 36%
Kuzma: 2018-2019 mid-range stats
- 3-10 feet: 47%, 10-16 feet: 48%
It’s clear that their summer workouts paid dividends and both players improved their mid-range games.
This coming summer, Ingram and Kuzma must focus their attention on their 3-point shooting. If Ingram and Kuzma use their incredible work effort over the summer, there’s no reason why they can’t become above-average 3-point shooters next year.
Lonzo was hurt last summer, so he concentrated on getting stronger. This coming offseason he should be healthy, so he must shoot at least 1,500 3-pointers a day and then he’ll also improve from distance next season.
If Hart wants to stay in the Lakers rotation next year he has to become a 40% 3-point shooter, so he’s got to work on his outside stroke this summer.
The Lakers are also going to have to sign at least two good 3-point shooters over the summer.
Here’s a list of the best 3-point shooters who should be available for under $7 million per year this summer:
- Trevor Ariza
- DeMarre Carroll
- Tyreke Evans
- J.J. Redick
- Terrence Ross
- Danny Green
- Garrett Temple
- Cory Joseph
- Luc Mbah a Moute
- Rodney Hood
- Seth Curry
- Reggie Bullock
- Wayne Ellington
- Austin Rivers
If I were the Lakers I’d try to sign Terrence Ross, Seth Curry, and Austin Rivers. Austin Rivers could serve as the Lakers backup point guard, but he might be too expensive. If so, I’d try to pick up Cory Joseph instead.