‘Havent Done a Good Enough Job’: Zach Lowe Expresses Concern Over LeBron James Being the Best Shooter on Lakers
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May 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots as Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) moves in to defend during the first half in game four of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Off-season comes bearing good news for the Los Angeles Lakers fans as a blockbuster trade goes through. In a massive deal, they acquired Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards. LA now has a ‘Big 3’ of their own with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Westbrook.
However, he was not the only target the Lakers had in mind. Names such as DeMar DeRozan and Buddy Hield also came up in talks.
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The USA’s LeBron James receives his gold medal during the ceremony at the Men’s Basketball Final between USA and Spain at the North Greenwich Arena during the London 2012 Olympic games. London, UK. 12th August 2012. (Photo: Steve Christo) (Photo by Steve Christo/Corbis via Getty Images)
Another great is now going to don the purple and gold. However, analysts have not taken the Russ trade well and think there were alternatives.
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“Putting Their Egos Aside”: Report Details Meeting Westbrook Had With LeBron and Davis Before Lakers Trade
Zach Lowe thinks Lakers need a better shooter
While on The Jump, Zach Lowe openly said that he is not a fan of the Russell Westbrook trade. Like many others, his main reason was the shooting problems that the Lakers face. Lowe believes it would have been better if Lakers went for a shooter. Likewise, he preferred someone like Buddy Hield.
"If LeBron is the best shooter on the floor, you haven't done a good enough job building around LeBron."@ZachLowe_NBA thinks the Lakers were better off going with the Buddy Hield/Kings trade package than acquiring Russ 👀 pic.twitter.com/MWitjm7a78
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 30, 2021
He thinks the Lakers need to assemble a better shooting lineup around LeBron James. They can’t have him as the best shooter. In regards to that he said: “If LeBron is the best shooter on the floor, you haven’t done a good enough job building around LeBron.”
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However, Lowe does believe that the Lakers will overcome these issues just because of the skill level. LeBron James, AD and Russ are three great players who dominate the game in their way despite the poor shooting. But, is skill enough to take them over the line?
USA Today via Reuters
May 27, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket past Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) during the fourth quarter of game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY | Courtesy: Reuters
Can LeBron James and the Lakers make up for lack of shooting
The Lakers have arranged a great ‘Big 3’. But, their shooting remains a problem. Westbrook shot just 31% from three last season.
Moreover, statistically, he is one of the worst three point shooters in the NBA for the attempts he takes. LeBron and AD are decent shooters, but there is no dominating three point presence for the Lakers.
USA Today via Reuters
May 8, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts as hitting the game winning free throw during an overtime period against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Doug McSchooler-USA TODAY Sports
However, their skill level is a lot. These 3 guys know how to work to their strengths. Westbrook shoots almost 64% from baskets in the restricted area. Same with the King and Davis who know how to get on the inside and score.
Lowe himself said: “These guys are 3 great players. And talent and smarts and just all out ferocity and sometimes make up for not so great spacing.”
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 3, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3), forward LeBron James (23) and coach Frank Vogel react in the second half during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Moreover, they arguably have two of the best passers in the NBA. Westbrook averaged 11 assists this season with the Wizards. LeBron has been the only floor general for the Lakers this season.
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The Lakers now have the depth in terms of spacing the floor rather than shooting. To sum it up, even though the Lakers lack a powerful shooter, they make up for more with the skill set. They will be a trio to watch this coming season as LeBron chases his 5th title.
USA Today via Reuters
May 15, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) gets a high five from forward LeBron James (23) after a foul in the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Do you think Westbrook can help the Lakers win a chip?
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