NBA Analyst goes off on LA Lakers superstar’s dismal shooting efficiency from deep: “LeBron James, major love to him… But he has been awful”
LA Lakers superstar LeBron James simply hasn't been able to get it going from 3-point range this season and is shooting a career-worst 21.0% from deep. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has now blasted James for his dismal shooting efficiency to start the year.
During a recent episode of ESPN's "First Take," Smith said the Lakers need shooting to improve their roster and highlighted James' struggles, saying:
"They have assembled a squad that can't shoot. LeBron James, major love to him, we all know (he's on the) Mount Rushmore, he's shooting 21% from 3-point range. He has been awful from long range. Awful!"
The LA Lakers are the worst 3-point shooting team in the NBA, having made only a dismal 29.1% of their shots from long range to start the season. It's been their most prominent weakness thus far, resulting in a disappointing 2-8 start.
Their best shooter this year has been Matt Ryan, who has made 41.4% of his shots from deep but only on 3.6 attempts per game. No player on the roster has averaged over 1.6 makes per game from beyond the arc. This is concerning for LA's offense, which ranks dead last as per the offensive ratings.
LeBron James has been one of their most consistent 3-point shooters over the last couple of seasons. He was shooting roughly 35% from long range on eight attempts a game prior to this season, a respectable number compared to the league average.
However, he hasn't found his stroke yet, and neither has the rest of the team.
LA Lakers need more shooters around LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook
The LA Lakers have three potential first-ballot Hall of Famers on their roster, but results have been hard to come by. LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook are all inconsistent shooters from the arc and need shooting around them to thrive.
The Lakers simply don't have the personnel to build a compatible roster around their Big Three. They added young and athletic 3-and-D players who can guard the perimeter, defend and attack in transition. However, that brand of basketball was impactful decades ago.
The need for the hour is 3-point shooters. Rival contending teams have stacked their rosters with players who can make an impact from beyond the arc, which has given them the upper hand against LA.
The LA Lakers seem to thrive as a defensive unit and a transition team who can attack efficiently on the break. However, their lack of shooting is severely hampering their chances of winning.
They will need to revisit potential trade options soon to avoid adding to their losing record. However, the Lakers have very few tradeable assets. They don't want to sell LeBron James or Anthony Davis and might be in a difficult spot when it comes to exploring trades circling Russell Westbrook.
"Mr. Triple Double" has arguably been their best player since moving to a bench role. In his six starts off the bench, Westbrook has averaged 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per contest. He has shot an impressive 51.8%, including 48.0% from 3-point range.
While this should boost his trade value, the LA Lakers will likely have to part ways with their future first-round picks (2027 and 2029) in a trade. These picks are the only enticing draft capital they have at their disposal.
LA will face a difficult task if they want to make a potential trade for a shooter. They will likely have to build a package centered around players like Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn, along with a veteran minimum contract and second-round picks.
This will allow them to keep hold of the coveted 2027 and 2029 picks and use those in a trade that could help them acquire a star-caliber player next summer.