The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to maintain momentum as they prepare for an upcoming clash with the Los Angeles Clippers after a brief rest period that involved players engaging in pickleball. This four-day hiatus allowed the team to recover from minor injuries, but the repercussions were evident in their last game—a win against the Utah Jazz—where the Lakers struggled with shooting accuracy, missing 28 three-point attempts and nearly allowing an 11-point lead to slip away.
Despite these shooting challenges, the Lakers stand at an impressive 12-4 record. The players attribute their success thus far to team resilience and strong chemistry, raising questions about how long they can sustain this performance without significant improvements in their shooting capabilities. Coach JJ Redick emphasized the need for belief and confidence among the players, noting that better shooting is crucial for continued success.
As the season progresses, the Lakers have been shooting poorly from beyond the arc, with an average of only 33.3% from three-point range, ranking 26th in the league. This statistic marks a stark contrast to the more prolific shooting performances seen in the previous season, prompting Redick to focus on optimizing players’ strengths rather than merely increasing shot attempts. This season, the Lakers are attempting 32.4 three-pointers per game, and adjusting this approach may be essential for their offensive flow.
The Lakers currently find themselves in a promising position in the NBA Cup group play. Their upcoming matchup against the Clippers will determine their progression, with both teams holding undefeated records in their current group. Entering the final week of group play, the Lakers are keen to secure a spot in the quarterfinals, having demonstrated a solid point differential that enhances their chances.
Fans are encouraged by the potential shift in the Lakers’ three-point shooting fortunes, recalling that during the previous season, the team experienced a significant turnaround in their shooting efficiency after a midseason trade brought in star player Luka Doncic. With the anticipation building for their next games and a growing excitement around the NBA Cup, there’s optimism around how the Lakers will adapt and improve as the season continues, showcasing their dedication and hard work on the court.
As the team gets ready for the week, they also highlight the excitement of upcoming matchups, with continued hopes for health and performance improvements as they aim for success in both group play and the regular season.