Los Angeles Lakers: 3 keys to beating the Memphis Grizzlies
By Ethan Temkin
3.) Exploit the lack of rim protection.
First things first, the Memphis Grizzlies currently rank 20th in defending shots at the rim, and are overall the 27th ranked defense per CleaningtheGlass. Their defense is a far cry from the Grit ‘N Grind era, as Jonas Valančiūnas is currently their best big man, and isn’t exactly known for his defensive acumen.
On the Lakers’ side, the team currently ranks 2nd in shot attempts at the rim, with 40.3% of their shots coming from within four feet. To make matters worse for the Grizzlies, the Lakers also rank 2nd in shooting percentage at the rim, at 69%.
A large part of this has to do with how insanely good Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard have been around the rim, as the two are shooting a gaudy 76% and 82% respectively in the paint.
Suffice to say, that isn’t ideal for the Grizzlies, so the Lakers absolutely need to take advantage of this glaring weakness in the Grizzlies’ defense and attack the rim early and often.
Not only that, the chemistry between LeBron James and Anthony Davis is getting better and better each game, and the return of Rajon Rondo should allow the team to run even more screen and roll actions for Davis when LeBron is on the bench.
Without any real low post threat defensively for the Grizzlies, this should be easy pickings for Lakers’ bigs.