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3 Lakers whose on/off numbers Frank Vogel can no longer ignore

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on February 16, 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on February 16, 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Carmelo Anthony

Another player who is perceived to only be a scorer and be a complete liability on the defensive end, Carmelo Anthony has had an undeniable positive impact on the Los Angeles Lakers this season. There is arguing that he is a good defender, because he isn’t, but his defense is not having the negative impact that some NBA pundits would tell you it is.

The team’s net rating with Carmelo on the court is +5.8, which is still higher than LeBron James’ (granted, LeBron also has to play with all of the bad players in the rotation). Just like with Monk, Carmelo’s defense is not changing much for the overall team defense as the Lakers’ defensive rating is only 0.1 points worse with Melo on the court.

His three-point shooting and overall offensive output is having a much bigger positive impact on the Lakers than the perceived negative impact that his defense is having. Melo has quietly been one of the best players on the Lakers while playing 26.5 minutes per night.

Because of his age, Melo probably should not see a jump in his playing time as he is currently effective at his current rate. However, there are still changes to be made and Vogel can tweak when he is playing to best find the most impactful time to put him on the court.

Reaves, Monk and Carmelo have shared the court together for 180 minutes this season and the Lakers have a +9.5 net rating in those 180 minutes. That is the fourth-best three-man combination with at least 180 minutes played that the Lakers have had all season.

The three better three-man combinations are Dwight Howard/Malik Monk/Russell Westbrook (how surprising is that?), Carmelo Anthony/LeBron James/Malik Monk (two of the three), and Avery Bradley/Talen Horton-Tucker/LeBron James.

Next. 50 greatest Lakers of all-time. dark

The foursome of LeBron, Monk, Reaves and Carmelo has played 65 minutes together and have a net rating of +6.1.

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