Lakers Eye Three-Point Specialist as LeBron Returns
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a promising position as the season unfolds, boasting an impressive 11-4 record that places them fourth in the Western Conference. This success is especially notable given that star forward LeBron James has only participated in one of the team’s first 15 games. Key victories over the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs have kept the Lakers in contention, but the team is not without its flaws.
Recent Struggles Highlight Weaknesses
A glaring vulnerability emerged during a recent blowout loss to the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, where the Lakers fell 121-92. In this matchup, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves combined for a mere 32 points, struggling significantly with their shooting from beyond the arc. The duo managed just one three-pointer on 12 attempts, a stark reflection of the team’s broader offensive struggles.
This season, the Lakers have converted only 33.8 percent of their three-point attempts, ranking among the bottom third of NBA teams. As Doncic (31.7 percent) and Reaves (32.6 percent) both fall short of their career averages—34.9 percent and 36.7 percent, respectively—the need for a reliable shooter becomes even more apparent.
LeBron’s Impact on Shooting Dynamics
The return of LeBron James could be the catalyst the Lakers need to enhance their three-point shooting. Over the past two seasons, James has shown a resurgence in his shooting, connecting on 39 percent of his attempts from three-point range. His presence on the court could not only boost overall scoring but also provide a stabilizing effect on the team’s perimeter shooting.
As ESPN’s Kevin Pelton notes, the Lakers are likely to explore the trade market for a three-point specialist ahead of the February deadline. “Getting James back in the lineup should help, given he has shot 39% from 3 the past two seasons,” Pelton stated. “And Dalton Knecht and Jake LaRavia should improve on their 32.6% and 34.0% shooting, respectively.”
Trade Considerations for the Lakers
Despite the potential return of James and the hope for improved shooting from Knecht and LaRavia, the Lakers may still need to address their reliance on defensive-minded players like Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt, both of whom are struggling to shoot above 30 percent from three. An acquisition of a proficient shooter who can also defend could enhance the Lakers’ chances of contending this season.
Should Doncic and Reaves find their shooting touch, the urgency to make a trade might lessen. However, the decision about how much of their future assets the Lakers are willing to part with remains a pivotal question. The addition of a dependable three-point shooter could very well shape the trajectory of their season.
