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3 reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers could have the best offense ever

By Kevin Germany

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after winning the 2020 NBA Championship over the Miami Heat in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after winning the 2020 NBA Championship over the Miami Heat in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

This season’s Los Angeles Lakers are capable of breaking the NBA record for points per game in a season

In 1987, the Los Angeles Lakers broke the record for offensive efficiency as they broke the spirit of the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.

The 1987 iteration of the Showtime Lakers proved to be the NBA’s most efficient offense for over 30 years. The Golden State Warriors broke that record in the 2018-19 season. The Dallas Mavericks broke Golden State’s record the following season.

Then the floodgates opened. Several teams broke Dallas’ record for offensive efficiency last season (none of which were the Los Angeles Lakers – who ranked 23rd).

The team that finished first in offensive efficiency was the Brooklyn Nets, scoring points at will due to their ridiculously talented trio of James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving. What made Brooklyn’s offense even more impressive was the fact those three guys only shared the floor about a third of the season.

On paper, Brooklyn got even better this offseason. In reality, there are some hurdles they will have to overcome. Offensive guru Mike D’Antoni is no longer on Brooklyn’s coaching staff. Nobody knows about Irving’s availability for this season. 

Brooklyn did not even lead the league in points per game last season. The Milwaukee Bucks were the second team in the past 40 years to surpass the 120 points per game mark.

Milwaukee got there by playing one of the fastest paces in the NBA. Giannis Antetokounmpo would barrel down the lane in transition over and over again. Even with Giannis dominating opponents like Shaquille O’Neal did 20 years prior, Milwaukee did not even come close to breaking the all-time record for points per game.

The Denver Nuggets still have the record after 40 years. Denver averaged a staggering 126.5 points per game during the 1981-82 season (they also allowed 126 points per game, ranking dead last that season).

Denver’s pace that season was faster than any other offense last season by over five possessions per game. Their record for total points per game will eventually be broken.

Will that team be the Lakers this season?

Here are three reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers will have a chance to be the greatest offense in NBA history.

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