Why the Los Angeles Lakers offense can be even better
By Ed Schrenzel
3. The Los Angeles Lakers’ three-point shooting will improve
KCP and Caruso started out the season on fire from beyond the arc, each connecting on greater than 50% of their shots. But everyone knew that couldn’t be maintained over the whole year.
Although they have dropped to 47% and 46%, respectively, both should end up closer to 40%. Meanwhile, fans can only hope that both James (41%) and Kuzma (38%) can maintain what would be career-high percentages.
However, it can also be reasonably assumed that a few other players will improve on their long-distance rates. After a good start, Anthony Davis is down to just 31% after shooting at least 33% the past three seasons and 38% in last year’s playoffs.
Schroder is also hitting only 31% of his threes after shooting 38% last year and 34% the season before that. And Gasol has slumped lately, hitting just 2 of his last 9 attempts, to drop to 30% after shooting 36% or better in three of the last four years.
The law of averages tells us that the three-point shot should remain a team strength and an important part of the Lakers offensive attack.
Next. Lakers must sign Drummond if bought out. dark
As good as the Lakers have been playing so far, there is an excellent chance that they will be even better by the time the postseason arrives, especially on the offensive end. When they play the games that really count, their offense should be operating at a higher level, which along with their outstanding defense could well propel them to another title.
All statistics courtesy of www.basketball-reference.com