2. Better shot-creation from the backcourt
The Lakers may have arguably the best frontcourt in the NBA, but they need a little more offense from their guards.
As James nears his 35th birthday, he can’t be relied on to carry the full load of being the team’s only ball handler and shot creator if he’s to remain fresh until the last game of the playoffs. At least one other player needs to push the ball upcourt and call his own number offensively at times.
Ultimately, the one who needs to pitch in most to help with this is Avery Bradley.
For five straight season from 2013-14 to 2017-18, he averaged between 13.9 and 16.3 points per game while taking 13.1-14.1 shots per game. So far this season, he’s only putting up a paltry 8.4 shots a game and scoring just 9.6 points per game.
We’re talking about a player who can not only attack with the ball in transition, but can create his own shot, penetrate and finish at the rim, hit 3s and move well without the ball.
Bradley has been somewhat aggressive in the first quarter so far this season, but that aggression has tailed off later in each contest.
If Kyle Kuzma is going to be a legit third scorer, the Lakers will need Bradley to be their fourth-leading scorer, especially come playoff time when teams really crack down defensively.