3. Shooting
The Lakers are in desperate need of shooting. The team was second last in the league in 3-point shooting (33%). This has been a problem for the Lakers over the last few years. In 2017-18 they were also second last in the category, shooting it right under 35 percent.
The Anthony Davis trade will certainly help their efficiency as he is a career 52 percent shooter, and has a great mid-range game. However, his 3-point shooting is right along where many of his teammates shot. Davis shot 33 percent from deep this season.
Jimmy Butler, like Davis has a midrange game but is only a decent 3-point shooter. Last year, he shot 34 percent from deep. In his career, he is also 34 percent, making only one per contest. With Davis not hitting at a high clip, Kuzma only shooting 30 percent, it’s hard to see the Lakers rising in the category, unless they target some shooters.
This is why it’s more convenient for the Lakers to add two-way players like Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon, and Kawhi Leonard over him. They can shoot it from deep a lot better.
With James and Davis on the floor, Butler won’t be as effective because he has yet to “wow” from deep.