In a preseason game, the Lakers lost by 30 points to the Brooklyn Nets. Despite that, three players had bright spots in their games.
The lakers record against .500 teams is a statistic that shows how successful the Lakers are when they play teams with a similar record. They have 3 wins in their last 4 games.
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers’ freshly formed team (without its superstars) played their first preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets. Even though the Purple and Gold fell short at home, there were some positives to take away.
And, after all, what is preseason without overreactions, right?
Whether they were overreactions or not, the Lakers’ blowout preseason defeat to the Nets produced three bright sports.
3. New offensive set plays have been implemented.
This should bring a smile to the faces of all fans. Last season, the Lakers were rated 24th in offensive rating despite being barely healthy. In 2020-21, they failed to make 3-pointers and often went through scoring droughts. They were one of the few teams who were defensively focused, but their half-court offense was embarrassing to watch.
To get the ball inside the hoop, they relied on post ups (which they rarely challenged all season), isolation, and transition plays.
Please pardon me. What is this, and how does it relate to the usual BS Lakers half-court offense?
Excellent veering action. P&R -> Ellington, who’s *that* man as an off-screen shooter pic.twitter.com/Kx80pK562p P&R -> Ellington, who’s *that* guy as an off-screen shooter pic.twitter.com/Kx80pK562p
October 4, 2021 — Cranjis McBasketball (@Tim NBA)
The game on Sunday was an entirely different story. Although it is just preseason, the Lakers’ new offensive sets and strategies to begin the game were impressive. There were a few Chicago-style plays (pin down into the dribble handoff), veer action Pick-and-Rolls, pin-in-flare screen, and others that really helped some of the young guys thrive.
Dwight’s angle on this isn’t ideal, but the pin-in flare is a fantastic way to take advantage of defenses trying to assist at the nail and recover out to shooters.
In only one preseason game, LA has already shown a number of players that would have made a difference schematically last season. pic.twitter.com/e1yTZZcTPW
October 4, 2021 — Cranjis McBasketball (@Tim NBA)
The Lakers’ lone superstar, Anthony Davis, said in his postgame news conference that the team is still far from where it wants to be offensively. That’s a positive indication since it indicates the club is serious about honing its new set plays, which were rarely seen previous season. Finally, the idea that LA is experimenting with new offensive systems is encouraging, particularly after a poor offensive showing last season.
2. Anthony Davis seems to be bigger and stronger.
Davis, on the other hand, just played 11 minutes on Sunday, but his body and fitness already seem to be much superior than last season. According to what he stated after the game, the Brow wanted to play on Sunday to get his feet wet and build rhythm, particularly after being sidelined by injury last season.
Just seeing how AD moved, found his own shot, and defended was a good element in the game for the Lakers.
THE NBA HAS RETURNED. pic.twitter.com/fc1qzffIu7
3 October 2021 — SB Nation (@SBNation)
The fact that Davis seems to be in better shape is significant since he is expected to play the center position more in 2021-22, at least according to what he said at media day. Furthermore, since his conditioning is stronger to begin the season, there is some hope that AD will not have to play catch-up with his fitness (like he did last season) and jeopardize his health. The Brow seems to be gearing up for his vengeance season.
1. Malik Monk and Kendrick Nunn made huge first impressions.
Malik Monk and Kendrick Nunn had a fantastic start, and they may be the guys the Lakers need to overcome their shooting drought.
Monk was a microwave after hitting his first shot, and he remained that way for the rest of the game. The former Charlotte Hornet showed off his ability to generate his own shot, knock down jumpers, and play with confidence.
On a dime, come to a complete stop. Take a step back. pic.twitter.com/PzG3mawUQU
— October 3, 2021, Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers)
Nunn, on the other hand, showed flashes of his ability to shoot threes in transition, hit jumpers, lead a fastbreak, and fit into Vogel’s system. Despite how well they suited last season’s Lakers, advanced analytics indicate that none of them can shoot the ball like Nunn and Monk. This has the potential to be huge for the Purple and Gold in the future.
Into the offhand finish, a crossover package is used. pic.twitter.com/9P0unyF7ko
— October 3, 2021, Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers)
It may only preseason, and it’s easy to get carried away, but there are encouraging indications that the Lakers are on the right track. New offensive sets and tactics, role players who can finally contribute when the team needs a bucket, and a superstar who seems to be in better shape than ever are all major positives for the club going ahead.
The lakers roster 2020-21 is the Lakers’ starting five in 2020-21. They are Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Kemba Walker. These players combined for 43 points in the game against the Nets.
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