Free agent Ben McLemore has agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 6, 2021
I apologize in advance for how much I'm going to overreact to the Ben McLemore signing. I know logically he's not going to be a major playoff guy I did the same thing with Dion Waiters. This team just sorely needed a dose of shot-making. I'm going to get excited if he brings it.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) April 6, 2021
Here's what I love about this signing:
So many Lakers straight up don't want to shoot. KCP. Wes. Gasol. Caruso at times. The hesitation is maddening.
Ben McLemore took 10.1 3's per 36 minutes last year. Kuzma leads the Lakers this year at 7.1. Ben does not hesitate. https://t.co/K2hHMONmxj
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) April 6, 2021
LakerTom says
Great point, Sam. Lakers’ problem is more lack of volume 3-point shooters as it is lack of efficient shooters. KCP & Caruso are examples of players who shot a high percentage early but won’t shoot now for fear of lowering their percentages. Can’t make them if you won’t take them.
Been begging Pelinka to get some guys who aren’t afraid to shoot the ball. Hopefully, Ben will get his eye back and be a huge addition to help the Lakers correct their negative 3-point differential. It’s a more serious problem than the lack of rim protection, which AD can help in the playoffs. Lakers now only have Kuzma as a volume 3-point shooter. Ben helps a lot.
LakerTom says
Shot 40.0% on 6.4 threes in 22.8 minutes per game last season. 33.1% on 5.2 threes in 16.8 minutes per game this season.