While I don’t think Trezz, Kuz, and THT can continue to put up 23.0, 19.0, and 13.3 ppg like they did the last three games, I do think they are capable of putting up more than the 13.8, 11.5, and 7.2 ppg they did the first half of the season, a 77% increase.
While their increased productivity is partly due to their own performance, a big part of it is how the adjustments in the offense has optimized each of their abilities to score. So what could be a reasonable expectation? Maybe 21.0. 17.0 and 11.0, which would still be over a 50% increase.
The Lakers have adjusted the system to fit their talents of the Bench Big Three rather than just asking them to fix into a system designed speciflically to optimize LeBron and AD. In a way, we’re playing more of a Jazz type egalitarian offensive scheme instead of a traditional superstar driven offensive approach.
The other question is what will the return of AD affect things. Right now, Morris seems to be playing well at the four and Jones doing a fine job at the five. AD’s return would certainly solve the starters woe’s of being the lowest scoring starting lineup in the league. And Gasol is likely to be replaced by somebody.
At any rate, the Bench Big Three is something the Lakers need to hang their hat on. In addition to 3-point and PIP differentials, superior bench play can be another way for the Lakers to beat teams, especially those like Brooklyn who lack quality depth.
Makes sense. Would be great to get a modern defensive center who can defend stretch 4’s and guards and forwards on switches but don’t see anybody left who can do that. Boogie may be the best option.
With Boogie gone, I think the Lakers best option might be the mystery man we were talking about on the podcast: Dewayne Dedmon, 31-years old, 7′ 0,” 245 lbs.
The story is Rafael Barlowe of NBADraftJunkies was working as a trainer working out Dewayne in LA last week and Rafael said he looked great. He had a disastrous year split between the Hawks and Kings but the year before averaged 10.8/7.5/1.4 in 25.1 minutes and shot 38.2% from deep on 3.4 threes per game.
Here’s a link to a recent article suggesting the Lakers look at Dedmon:
If the Lakers want to add another big man to their rotation, they should take a hard look at two hometown kids: Dewayne Dedmon and Taj Gibson. Dedmon and Gibson weren’t especially productive last season, but there’s a good chance they will look more like the best versions of themselves on a championship-contending team, as opposed to teams like the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks, respectively.
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2020/11/23/21604553/lakers-free-agency-rumors-anthony-davis-regular-season-center-minutes-marc-gasol-signing