Lakers’ Second Unit Needs a Scoring Boost
Since the Boston Celtics traded Bradley to Detroit in July of 2017, his overall production has dropped over the last two years while bouncing from the Pistons to the Clippers. He experienced somewhat of a resurgence as a knock-down shooter in 14 contests with the Memphis Grizzlies at the end of last season, averaging 16.1 points and converting on 38 percent of his three-point attempts.
Bradley’s ability to take advantage of floor spacing and drain open shots seems like a better fit in the starting lineup complementing James who can collapse the defense on any given possession.
Pope’s scoring averages have actually dipped in every term since the 2015-16 campaign. Last year, he reached his best mark in field-goal percentages (43 percent) mostly as a reserve. The 26-year-old has the qualities of a streaky shooter but lacks consistency.
Throughout his career, Rondo has been a far better facilitator than the dynamic point guards we see in today’s game. He possesses a high basketball IQ; Kuzma would benefit with that type of distributor running the offense.
Rondo could show his best while sharing the floor with an efficient shooter and versatile playmaker. The pass-first point guard would continue to deliver dimes, and Kuzma could chase Williams for the Sixth Man of the Year honor.