Lakers News: LA Superstar Shines In Efficient Preseason Shooting Display
While it's easy to focus on the fact that your Los Angeles Lakers lost their preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors 125-108, the real biggest takeaway might've been how excellent Anthony Davis was, especially from behind the arc.
In just 13 minutes of play, Davis had 15 points and five rebounds, shooting a stellar 6-of-11 from the field and 2-of-3 from three-point range.
His three-point shooting turning out the way it did in this contest after an offseason trying to improve on it, is a terrific sign for Lakers fans.
Part of what made the Lakers so fantastic in their 2020 title run was AD's shooting, as the Brow hit 38% of his 3-point shots, which was the best shooting period of his career.
As an already elite lob threat with league-leading defense, Davis adding a three-point shot back to his arsenal impacts the Lakers offense in three distinct ways:
1) Self creation. Davis having the ability to hit 3-point shots at a high level again would enable him to return to his pre-bubble/bubble form, where he was excellent off the catch and dribble. Part of what made AD such a unicorn talent was his offensive versatility, as despite being 6'11, he found ways to create off the bounce against defenders of varying size and quickness. Re-adding that to his arsenal would bring the Lakers offense to new heights, and take pressure off of the aging LeBron.
2) Floor spacing. Spacing is always good, and having another player who is a 3-point shooting threat would open up driving lanes for LeBron, Reaves, Russell, and rest of the Lakeshow. As seen with big men across the league, having the paint less clogged enables a more efficient offense with less defensive pressure around the basket.
For example, Nikola Jokic's floor spacing was a serious advantage for the Nuggets against the Lakers, as help defenders struggled to retreat back to the basket when their teammates were beat off the dribble, as they were forced to choose between leaving a good 3-point shooter open, and leaving someone with an open path to the basket.
3) Enhancing the pick-and-roll. Currently, with AD's shooting and self-creation on the decline, the PnR has become a lot less dynamic for the Lakers. The LeBron and AD pick and roll that was a staple in the 2020 title run has become a lot more limited, with AD only being a threat as a roll man, and not as a threat on a pick-and-pop.
As such, adding a 3-point shot back to his arsenal would enable him to get great looks and complicate defensive responsibility covering him and his pick-and-roll partner, adding a layer of versatility to the Lakers offense.
I've mentioned the Lakers' depth performing well and Austin Reaves development as two unique X-factors in the Lakers' truly being title contenders this season, and AD's shooting is the third.
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