After making just 10-of-40 three-pointers in their regular season opener on Tuesday, the Lakers were even worse on Thursday, hitting 9-of-45 in a loss to the Clippers. LeBron James, who acknowledged the team’s lack of “lasers” following Tuesday’s loss, didn’t want to focus on that roster hole again on Thursday, as Dave McMenamin of ESPN writes.
“I’m definitely not going to sit here and harp on what we can’t do every single game,” James said when asked about the Lakers’ shooting struggles. “That’s not a leader. What I know we can do? We can defend our ass off. We did that tonight, which gave us an opportunity to win and we just couldn’t make it happen. But, I’m OK with that.”
James expects the shooting numbers to improve, since the Lakers obviously will make more than 22.4% of their three-point attempts this season. However, he admitted that the team can’t afford to live and die on whether those outside shots are falling.
“If we’re reliant on (solid three-point shooting) every single game, then we’re in trouble,” James said, per McMenamin. “So I’m not worried about that or thinking about that. It’s how hard we play, how aggressive we play, how determined we are to go out and compete every night. And we got to defend. When we defend, we’re going to give ourselves a good chance to win.”
Here’s more on the Lakers:
- Russell Westbrook played solid defense and had five steals on Thursday, but went 0-for-11 from the floor and scored just two points. Clippers forward Paul George defended his former teammate after the game, as Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN relays (via Twitter). “It’s hard when you’ve got the pressure they’re putting on him here. Quite frankly, it’s not geared for him with the roster they have,” George said. “… He was very easily a 30-10-10 guy when he had the keys to the team. We can’t forget about that.”
- After Westbrook said that coming off the bench “absolutely” was a factor in his minor hamstring injury last Friday, he and head coach Darvin Ham spoke about the issue and reached an “understanding,” Ham told reporters prior to Thursday’s game (link via McMenamin). Although Ham was fine with Westbrook saying what he did, the Lakers’ coach stressed that he and his staff “would in no way, shape or form put a player or an employee in harm’s way.”
- In a conversation with Marc J. Spears of Andscape about being a first-time head coach with the Lakers, Ham said it will take some time for the new-look roster to get comfortable with each other — and with his system. “Chemistry is not like Malt-O-Meal. It’s not instant,” Ham said. “You don’t just throw it in the microwave. That is something that has to be baked over the course of time and we’ll get there. The more we keep getting the reps in when we are about to practice and shoot around, film work, we’ll get to the point where we know each other and it’s second nature the way we play basketball. That definitely is the goal, and it takes time. Just got to be willing to be patient.”
- The South Bay Lakers – L.A.’s G League affiliate – have acquired Devin Cannady‘s NBAGL rights from the Lakeland Magic, the team announced in a press release. Cannady was waived by Orlando last weekend after not making the team’s regular season roster.
I, too, almost feel bad at poking fun at Westbrook these days. But when you live your life as a man-child who gets paid an insane salary and refuses to do the basic things to help yourself and your team, what other option do you leave the rest of us?
He’s had years to clean up his act, yet he’s still firing away from the three-point line early in the shot clock. Sad. He’s just one of those folks who will always rationalize their behavior and blame their self-inflicted failings on everyone else. Lord knows he is far from the only person like that.
I don’t feel bad about poking fun at Westbrick because a lot of this is self-inflicted. Granted, it was LA’s fault for bringing him there to begin with but what’s done is done. Ham tried to help Russ by bringing him off the bench, and as George said, he could’ve had the keys to the kingdom on the 2nd unit then. Russ pouted about it, though. He wants to play on the first team where he’s a terrible fit. So I don’t feel sorry for the dude when the fans gasp when he shoots or boo.
Who’s the coach and who’s the player? I think it would be a great idea to bring Westbrook off the bench still and if he pouts and fakes an injury, then he sits out and maybe the Lakers are better off?
If he plays, that second unit is strong and he can have the “keys to the kingdom.” I think it’s win-win to bring him off the bench. Should have started the season that way because when you do it 10 games in, then you’ll have the media circus surrounding the subject.
Agree Gary
* The circus would be there anyway
Those Lakers run like “no head chicken”. When you don’t have head, how can you have IQ?
Neither LA team looks that good. But the Clippers’ ceiling is way above the Lakers’.
For the money they’re spending it should be. Won’t be long before the Clippers pass the Warriors in luxury tax. Ballmer has unlimited resources and will stop at nothing. The only potential problem is that when your entire bench is made up of NBA starters, it could be challenging to keep them all happy with limited minutes.
Yes buddy that’s why you must do it the Warriors way. Your bench will always be a rotation of Veteran guys looking to rebuild their value for another contract elsewhere. Either that or half washed guys like Blake Griffin looking for a ring and an opportunity to play and contribute.
@buddy Its already an issue.
Lol @ these comments
I don’t see anything wrong with teasing Westbrook but we gotta be real. The blame falls entirely on the Lakers for this. They were expecting Westbrook to turn into Chris Paul or Ray Allen.
Westbrook has never in his career been a good ball handler or outside shooter. He’s only ever been good at inside scoring and defense. And his decent scoring years coincided with having George, Harden, or Durant there to create space.
Lakers have no such player.
“His decent scoring years coincided with having George, Harden, or Durant there to create space”. Not in 2017 it didn’t. And he was fabulous on the Wizards. Dragged that subpar team to the 3rd best offense in the league. Beal’s not a stellar outside shooter either.
That’s not to say Westbrook can fit on the Lakers. He can’t. Trading him for Hield and Turner would’ve been the correct move. Getting Conley, and Bogey would’ve also been helpful.
You’re right eonarashi. I really didn’t watch the Wizards that year so I’m wondering what was different? What made or helped Westbrook be successful on that Wizards team? Couldn’t the Lakers do the same thing?
Difference was Westbrook was on a bad team where he was the only offense. He ball hog and didn’t play D. When he left the other players were happy he left was a sign why he is not a champion. He only cares about stats but when on a team with AD and Lebron he can’t pad those stats. If you like stats and don’t care about winning westbrook is your man.
No, that’s not true at all. Other than last season and his rookie year Westbrook has never been on a bad team. In the three seasons after Durant left the Thunder still won 47,48 and 49 games. Houston has run it’s course but the still won 44 games. The season in Washington they only won 34 games but they still made the playoffs. Even last year Westbrook was the Lakers most consistent player.
Paul George, Steven Adams and Brad Beal have all praised him and his work ethic, so no other than Durant and maybe a few others that weren’t asked his teammates have respected him.
As to why he doesn’t have a championship? Well every year there’s only one team that wins it all. There’s been far more great players in the NBA without rings than those with rings.
I have no idea what you’re talking about. He was never any more excellent. In 2017, 2018, and 2019 his FG% was 42.5%, 44.9% and 42.8%
On the Wizards it was 43.9%
Last year on the lakers it was 44.4%
Literally the only thing that has changed is that he gets the ball slightly less often in LA than he did in any prior year, with 18.5 Pts per game last year after averaging 24 Pts per game in the prior 7 years.
Westbrook last year on the lakers also came close to or outperformed his career averages in offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, blocks, steals, and turnovers.
Statistically, Westbrook is exactly the same player he has always been. The only thing that’s changed is people’s perception and expectations of him.
I had them 12th in the West going into training camp, and still feel that way. And as I’ve said many times before, its unfortunate how certain players are being blamed for them not putting pieces around them they easily could have, but instead decided to bring in 1000 guards and bigs the last 2 years, that they dont need, some of which are redundant with each other
Their best lineups are probably Westbrook/Beverley, Nunn/Walker, Reaves, LeBron/JTA, Anthony Davis/LeBron
Lakers should blow it up already
Trade James to the Heat ask for Herro back in the deal. Homecoming.
Trade Davis to the Hornets ask for Bouknight Jones and 1sts
Trade anything really.
Recoup as much draft capitol as possible and reset the franchise. Get some young players back and see what they got with consistent playing time.
But they’re the Lakers. The Lakers need stars. The Lakers tried being a draft built team with middling selections. George Lynch, Nick Van Exel, Elden Campbell, Eddie Jones, Andrew Bynum, Smush Parker, Devean George, and it didn’t work. At least with stars it could work.
Russell Westbrook showed me last night he’s buying in on the defensive end. Offensively he needs to play more like he did against the GSW than the Clippers. I think he’s going to be good and have a strong season. LeBron James and Anthony Davis both have to get going. Where they can both be efficient consistently on the offensive end. I’m liking what I’m seeing out of the defense.
Lonnie Walker IV have played pretty decent and with a nice bounce to his game. I think he will only get better for them as the season goes on.
Y’all all hitting the panic button. They only 0-2 and it’s still 80 games left.
They played two great teams so they will be alright.
The guy makes $47 mil… he should be able to adapt his game to any situation. If he can’t, he shouldn’t be making $47 mil.
30, 10, and 10 with the ball the whole game (and not “winning”), ok, fine.
But, not having the ball the whole game, at $47 mil, you still should be good for 15, 5, and 5 – and not be in a “coming off the bench” conversation.
Interesting that his turnover “production” is still about the same as when he has the ball the whole game.
If your terrible at shooting threes and you shoot even more in the next game that tells me that either you are soft inside (post ups and driving), the other team’s D is forcing you into taking shots from your weakest area or both. I don’t expect the team to shoot 20% from 3 the whole year but where are the adjustments Coach Ham. Seems like Ham is already done as their play is not matching his preseason rhetoric.
True but we all said this before the season started. The Lakers have no shooting. That’s why everyone was begging for Buddy hield and Myles Turner. Insert two Shooters and that solves a lot. But the Lakers know they can’t give up those 27-29 draft picks. Would not be smart move considering LeBron is 38 years old.
You absolutely right!!!! The Los Angeles Lakers would love to have Myles Turner he’s the best shot blocker in the NBA and a nice three point shooter. Then he’s good enough to allow Anthony Davis to play his natural Power Forward position. Then Buddy Hield is a top 10 shooter in the NBA. That’s a laser they need.
But giving up the 2027&2029 First Round Picks smh. That ain’t the move.
They already gave up enough young players and picks for Anthony Davis. It’s no need to keep mortgaging the future.
Shooting 85 3’s in 2 games when you know damn well it’s not gonna work out it is what has me puzzled. At least hit some mid-range shots before stepping behind the line. Their shooting overall, from everywhere, is horrible so far.
Very long time Laker fan and this season’s going to be a disaster. I originally thought 40 wins and maybe a 9th seed but after watching the first 8 quarters I’m reassessing that win number down to 33-35.
Don’t lose heart. They just played two top teams in the entire league. The Warriors handled opening night but that was the Lakers first game with a lot of new faces and a new coach. Then versus the Clippers they were in the game at the end. The Lakers will be fine, keep the faith.
I hope they can win 20 games
Maybe they’re doing this on purpose. Tanking for the french kid.
To have him play with Zion and BI in New Orleans. That would be comedic
Tanking for Wembanyama in hopes the Pelicans forget about their pick swap?
Forgot about that…hahahahaha
Berverly, Reaves, JTA, Bron and AD. That lineup played pretty good defense last night.
Lonnie Walker was pretty good.
The rest of the roster sucks.
I love the Lonnie Walker pickup. And if JTA can knock down his threes like he did decently in Golden State, that could be a good rotation line up.
What an embarrassing franchise.
Lakers built like an early 2000s team and it just goes to show how things have changed.
The Lakers are gonna be a running joke this season…
Knicks, Lakers and Nets…
All the easy jokes in the NBA world…
I’d take Westbrook for Lowry straight up
No you wouldn’t. I liken Kyle Lowry to Marcus smart. You have to have him on the floor cuz stuff happens and they win games. Don’t look at the stat sheet look at the games won. The only thing is Lowry has not won a championship aside from the Kawhi Leonard year but if you watch him play he makes it happen out there. Westbrook I’m not sure that happens right now. Maybe if he comes off the bench with the second unit?
Unless you’re talking about contract? Does Lowry have several years left and this is Westbrook’s last year?
The guy is a clown for saying that. What numbers is Lowry supposed to put up in a starting lineup with 4 other guys that need the ball? All that matters is Lowry’s defense and capability of making shots when its needed
All these people ever care about is numbers, and that just isnt how the game works
No clowning around here. I’m sick of Kyle Lowry. Terrible signing. He has ZERO to do with Heat reaching conf finals this past season
Russell Westbrook comes to work everyday and works his a$$ off. KLo ain’t doin that.
Russ could shine in Miami whereas LA brought him in as a scapegoat.
Anyone that thinks he’s the Lakers problem/reason for being losers doesn’t pay attention.
Bron probably thinks he’s earned the right to have losing seasons while he breaks statistical records and ruins other players
If it really happened and didn’t work out Heat would adjust and move on and at least be ridden of Klo absurd contract
I dont agree that Westbrook is their issue either, but Lowry is by far the better fit for the Heat
19 for 84 from 3pt in the 1st two games. Why?! A bunch of them contested. Horrible basketball.
If you can’t shoot from 3-pt land, then avoid all those bricks.
Coach Ham, what are you getting paid to do? We need ball movement. Maybe then the 3’s will be less contested.