UPDATE: In a bold statement just hours before the Lakers’ matchup against the Utah Jazz, Coach JJ Redick expressed unwavering confidence that the team’s 3-point shooting volume will significantly increase this season. After acquiring star player Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers saw a dramatic surge in 3-point attempts, jumping from 33.8 to 40.4 attempts per game in the latter half of last season.
However, this season marks a troubling return to low volume, with the Lakers averaging just 32.3 attempts per game, placing them at No. 26 in the league. Even more concerning, their 10.9 successful shots from beyond the arc rank as the lowest in the NBA.
Redick addressed the media pregame, emphasizing the need for the Lakers to balance 3-point shooting with effective offense. “We want to shoot good 3-pointers. Our three-point volume will certainly increase over the course of the season, but we’re going to do the things that put our guys in a position to create advantages and generate good offense,” Redick stated.
Despite their struggles from long range, the Lakers have excelled in other shooting categories, entering the weekend as the league’s most accurate team at the rim and in midrange shooting, according to Cleaning The Glass. Redick noted that the team should focus on enhancing their offensive strategy to leverage players like Doncic and Austin Reaves, who have demonstrated their ability to draw fouls and create scoring opportunities.
“When we touch the paint, we’re an elite team,” Redick added, highlighting the importance of aggressive drives to the basket.
In their last game against the Jazz, the Lakers secured a victory, winning 140-126 in Los Angeles. Redick reflected on this past matchup, with Jazz Coach Will Hardy noting that the Lakers shot an impressive 40 free throws in that game, significantly contributing to their offensive rhythm.
The Lakers are eager to regain their shooting momentum and improve their performance as they face the Jazz again this Sunday at 7:00 PM ET in Salt Lake City. Fans and analysts are watching closely to see if Redick’s confidence translates into on-court success. Will the Lakers adapt and find their shooting groove? Stay tuned for live updates on this developing story.
