Lakers News: Insane Net Rating Points To Potential Of This LA Lineup
The Los Angeles Lakers open their season next week on the road against the Denver Nuggets, and the team feels that they have unfinished business to attend to. After reaching the Western Conference Finals last season, LA believes they can get back to that spot, but this time get the job done.
One of the most important pieces to the team was retaining this season in Austin Reaves, and the Lakers seem like a lethal team this year. When Reaves is on the floor alongside the two stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers tend to have a much higher positive net rating.
It's not surprising since these are the three best players on the roster, but it's still a good thing to see. The three-headed monster for LA will look to dominate again this season.
"Lineup data often lies, but in this case, that’s a big enough margin in a big enough sample to be meaningful. As long as the Lakers have LeBron, Davis, and Reaves, they should be one of the West’s top teams."
Reaves is the most important piece between the three. we know what we will get from James and Davis, but Reaves has to prove he can really step up this season. If he continues to grow his game, the Lakers will be in great shape.
“Most importantly, he meshed perfectly with LeBron and Anthony Davis. The trio posted a net rating of plus-16.4, in the 99th percentile leaguewide, per CtG. It wasn’t as dominant in the playoffs (plus-5 against tougher competition), but still, combining those two samples means the trio was plus-10.3 in nearly 2,000 possessions, across the regular season and playoffs.”
Any lineup that the Lakers use with these three players will be one of their best this season. These three are the catalysts, and it will be up to head coach Darvin Ham to utilize them well. It should be a great year for the purple and gold, hopefully, ending with another title.
Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or LA Sports Report yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!
