3 Flaws the Lakers Must Improve on After NBA Season Restart
By Tyler Kemp
With the NBA’s potential restart imminent, teams are starting to work out the kinks in order to be prepared for the post-hiatus part of the regular season. For the Lakers, it is imperative that they make certain adjustments for their upcoming playoff push. Even as the best team in the West in terms of record, there are still things that need to be worked on. Here are some flaws that LA needs to combat.
3. Turnovers
LA currently sits in the bottom third of the league as a team with 15.1 turnovers per game. Every other team ranked 21-30 are either eliminated, or currently on the outside looking in on their respective playoff races. Giveaways allow the opponent to score in transition, which could cause quick momentum swings. Come playoff time, the teams with the most discipline are the ones that can take care of the ball at all times.
2. Free Throws
LA ranks 28th in the league in free throw percentage, only above the Knicks and Pelicans in the statistical category. Another sign of a disciplined roster is whether or not it can make free throws in critical moments. If this number does not improve, teams can take advantage and use a hack-a-Laker strategy to prevent them from scoring easy points at the charity stripe.
1. 3-Point Shooting
LA is in the middle of the pack in shooting percentage from deep, as they currently rank 17th in the association. The problem is LA does not shoot the long ball at a high volume, ranking in the bottom third in the league in both makes and attempts. Shooters like Danny Green, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Avery Bradley will have to shoulder the load to aid LeBron James and Anthony Davis during LA’s run.