NBA Insider Claims Lakers Need To Address Three Point Shooting Problem Ahead of the Trade Deadline

Los Angeles Lakers haven’t been in the best form lately, losing five games of the last eight they played. Most of their losses can be attributed to an injury to their second superstar, Anthony Davis.

With Davis out of the picture, the Lakers’ misfiring supporting cast hasn’t helped the team’s form. While there have been rumblings that the Lakers are actively in search of a center, according to the team’s insider, Dan Woike, scouts believe that the Lakers need some three point shooting.

The Lakers started off being a top 10 three point shooting team, shooting 38.4% of their attempted three pointers. They also had an impressive record of 15 wins and 6 losses and had the third best record in NBA.

But they saw a massive dip in their three point shooting in February, shooting a league worst 29.6% of their three point attempts. This dip in three point shooting also resonated with their disappointing record of 9 wins and 5 losses.

They now are the 24th best team in terms of three point shooting. While shooters like Kentavious Caldwell Pope have been decent, shooting 40.2% from the three point line, Danny Green’s replacement Wesley Matthews hasn’t been as effective, shooting only 33.7% from the three point line.

Even talisman LeBron James had a dismal month of February, shooting below league average at 27% of his attempted 6.4 attempts per game. With a misfiring three point shooting roster, the Lakers need to step up or add a prolific three point shooter soon.

What are the options for the Lakers ahead of the deadline?

The Lakers, unlike the Heat and the Celtics, do not have enough assets to go for a big trade, but they can be a big player in the buyout market. The prominent players available in the buyout market right now are Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin.

While Drummond might be a good option in the center position, Griffin might be an interesting fit in the Lakers. He might not be as athletic as he was four years ago, but over the years, he has diversified his offensive display.

The 32-year-old has a reliable jumper and is shooting 33.7 percent of his threes since 2018-19. He is also attempting 6.7 threes per game in these last three seasons, and given he can create his own shot, he can be a great addition to the side.

Apart from that, they can trade for a high volume veteran shooter like JJ Reddick and George Hill by trading in some of their role players. Will the Lakers be willing to trade anyone from the roster or stick with the buyout market?