6. MULTIPLE SCORERS WHO CAN GET THEIR OWN SHOT
The final area of offense Lakers dramatically upgraded this offseason was adding proven big time scorers other than LeBron and AD capable of getting their own shots off the bounce when games were on the line.https://t.co/ePkkGvhwug pic.twitter.com/zILRPbgO5w
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) September 7, 2021
6. MULTIPLE SCORERS WHO CAN GET THEIR OWN SHOT
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September 7, 2021 6 Comments
The Lakers offense used to be give the ball to LeBron or AD and then get out of the way. That was often too predictable, especially when teams packed the paint and dared one of them to shoot from distance. With the addition of Russ and Melo, that changes as both of them are elite at getting their own shot against tough defenses.
The Lakers also added a couple of other players who can get their own shots in youngsters Monk and Nunn, who have great athleticism and handles who can beat defenders off the dribble and bounce to get a basket when the game is close and the focus is on the team’s three superstars.
How important do you think it will be for the Lakers to have more shot creators thasn just LeBron and AD.
On paper I suppose, in the Frank Vogel system…which is the LeBron James system and the we’ll see how Russ and everyone fits into that system it’s hard to say right now. Melo can get you a bucket or three because he has elite footwork and that never fades. Same with LeBron and AD. Russ, Nunn, and Monk all rely on speed and screens which isn’t really the Vogel way. yes, they can call for a screen but that might not be enough against teams that will still live with us shooting threes as opposed to getting into the paint. I think this will matter more as to how the bench is used and who gets minutes based on defense, which has been how coach Vogel has traditionally doled out minutes and roles. If we can still score effectively when LeBron and/or Russ sits then I think you’ll be onto something with this point.
Nunn, Monk, and Russ can all get their own shot much more easliy than KCP, Caruso, or Schroder could. They’re not Harden, KD, or Kyrie but they’re better than we’ve had the last two years as far as creating their own shot.
By the way, thanks for chiming in on these posts. Appreciate the help in getting discussions started on these subjects, which I think are important factors in why the Lakers have a good shot to win #18 this year.
Hi, Tom. I just want to say thank you for this excellent post. I really enjoyed the lively discourse between you and Jaime on the six things mentioned. You both made convincing arguments on both sides of the aisle. Great job.
Thanks, Buba. Appreciate your reading and commenting. I think our offense is going to be unreal this season.