5 things the Los Angeles Lakers must improve on with Anthony Davis out

2. Halfcourt offensive execution

The Los Angeles Lakers’ offense has taken a huge hit without Anthony Davis

Even though the Lakers have had some issues defensively and on the boards, a strong argument can be made that their offense is a bigger problem.

Last season, L.A. averaged 113.4 points per game and had an offensive rating of 112.0. They ranked 11th in both categories, which was good enough to take them all the way.

But so far this season, they’re averaging only 111.8 points a game, which is just 18th in the league, and they rank just 17th in offensive rating.

In addition to not getting enough points in transition, the Lakers have their issues when the game slows down. All too often, their set offense seems to consists of James dribbling the ball at the top of the floor beyond the 3-point line, milking the shot clock while his teammates stand around watching him.

That is not exactly championship basketball, as it usually leads to the Lakers having to take low-percentage shots with the shot clock running down.

This is where head coach Frank Vogel needs to step up. He is known as a defensive guru, and he has done a terrific job of building a championship culture that is centered around tough, reliable defense.

But how resourceful or imaginative is he as an offensive tactician?