Exploring the blueprint to how the Los Angeles Lakers can build an NBA Championship contender moving forward
There has been a concerted effort by the Los Angeles Lakers front office to acquire another superstar to maximize the team’s window to win a championship with LeBron James. Brad Turner of the LA Times alluded to this yesterday Magic Johnson presented Dell Demps with several offers to acquire Anthony Davis:
"Lakers president Magic Johnson and the Lakers then presented five different trade scenarios to Demps on Wednesday and are waiting to hear back from Demps about which interest him the most"
However, one can argue that the Lakers would have a better chance of winning a championship if they target players who complement the skill set of LeBron James. Lakers head coach Luke Walton is currently implementing several aspects of the LeBron James offense in his system.
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One example of the LeBron offense is when he dribbles the ball to the 3-point line and analyzes the entire defense. If one of the defenders is sagging off a shooter, he will pass the basketball to the shooter for an open 3-pointer.
On the other hand, if everyone stays home, he will study everything about his defender to determine the next course of action. If the defender decided to sag off of him, LeBron would take the open jumper. But, if the defender played him tight, he will attempt to drive towards the basket for a score, to draw a foul or attract a double team.
LeBron’s use of the entire floor forces teammates to spend a significant amount of time in the role of bystander or spot up shooter. Therefore, the Lakers should target players who have shown a history of thriving in the spot-up shooter role.
A prime example of this would be to sign Khris Middleton or Tobias Harris as they have shot 41.56 percent (42.6 +41.7 +43.8+47.1 +39.2+35)/6 and 35.75 percent (25.9 +38.1+ 34.1+35.8+40.7+39.9)/6 respectively on catch and shoot 3’s over the past 5+ seasons.
If the team can acquire one of those two players, they should use a couple pieces of their young core to trade for Mike Conley Jr. or Damian Lillard as they have both excelled off the ball. In fact, Conley and Lillard have shot 38.7 percent (37.6 + 40.1 +36.4+45.6+33.3+39.4)/6 and 39.1 percent (42.3 +34.9 + 41.7+ 41.7 +35.6 + 38.8)/6 respectively on catch and shoot 3’s over the past 5+ seasons.
Not only is Conley and Lillard comfortable playing off the ball but they also have experienced in the role of ball handler as both players led their current teams to multiple playoff appearances in that role. Consequently, it would give the Los Angeles Lakers another premier playmaker in case LeBron suffers a second injury that forces him to miss an extended period.
The possible addition of these players would put opponents in a difficult spot as they have to choose between stopping LeBron or guarding the shooters. If they clog the paint to stop him, LeBron will kick the ball out to the open shooter for the three-pointer. On the other hand, if they guard the shooters, LeBron is going to score at will.
This is a diverse offensive attack that the Lakers would not have at their disposal if they acquired Anthony Davis as shooting is his biggest weakness. Therefore, opponents would spend most of the game clogging the paint to minimize the impact of Davis and LeBron.
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