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5 reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t dead yet

By Ed Schrenzel

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands during the national anthem before the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Crypto.com Arena on January 07, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands during the national anthem before the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Crypto.com Arena on January 07, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. Sizzling Shooters

Pelinka signed several players that he hoped would provide more scoring punch, especially from outside. So far they have delivered admirably.

Carmelo Anthony still has one of the smoothest strokes in the NBA. In his 19th season, he’s now a streakier scorer but is also one of the league’s best sixth men. He’s averaging 13.2 points per game and has hit 39% of his 3’s.

Malik Monk has proven to be an excellent overall scorer, showing why he was selected 11th in the 2017 draft. He’s averaging 12 PPG, is shooting 40% from deep and has converted several circus shots at the rim. He’s become an integral part of the Lakers offense, in some games as hot as anyone in the league from outside.

Wayne Ellington’s specialty has always been shooting. This season over 90% of his shot attempts have come from behind the line, where he is connecting at 41%, a tad above his career average. And Bradley, who was signed mainly for his defense, is unexpectedly hitting 3’s at a 40% clip.

Meanwhile, in limited playing time, Trevor Ariza has converted 54% of his long-distance tries. That rate is unsustainable but demonstrates that he remains a threat to drain the open shot.

Also, the seemingly ageless LeBron James is attempting the most 3’s per game of his long career and is making 37%, his second-highest rate.

That’s five rotation players, including Ariza, shooting at least 39% from distance. Two others, James and undrafted rookie Austin Reaves, are above 35%. It represents a marked improvement in the Los Angeles Lakers’ firepower over the past two seasons.

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