There has been lots of talk about the Los Angeles Lakers' defense over the summer and throughout training camp and the preseason. They finished 20th in defensive rating last season, and they not only have what seems to be the personnel to improve on that end of the floor but also a new, more aggressive approach.
But the Lakers' offense has also needed improvement. One flaw they had last season was an overreliance on their stars, particularly Luka Doncic, who could, at least to this point in his career, be the most ball-dominant player in NBA history. He has the highest usage rate in league history at 35.8, and many have criticized that style of play and said it won't lead to a championship.
This season, the talk is that L.A.'s offense will be faster and more free-flowing, and coach JJ Redick said last week that one thing he's looking to implement is playing Doncic off the ball more, via Silver Screen and Roll.
“Luka and I have talked throughout last season and again in the summer,” Redick said prior to the team’s most recent win over the Kings. “He likes the off-ball stuff…It’s diversification. Sometimes, you can get caught up in the numbers but early pick and rolls with Austin [Reaves] and Luka are actually very good half-court numbers, like [points per possession] wise. Elite, actually. That’s not to say we’re not going to do that but, habitually, we don’t want to start day one just running drags every time down the floor.”
Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.6 steals a game and led the NBA in scoring average last season. But despite the numbers he, Reaves and LeBron James put up, the team was a somewhat modest 11th in points and 10th in offensive rating.
Where the team struggled offensively was in pace, a category in which it ranked just 22nd. The Lakers have looked more willing to get out and run and at least explore transition opportunities this preseason, and that is one thing that could somewhat lessen Doncic's workload.
The addition of more ball-handlers should also help. While guard Collin Sexton hasn't played yet in the preseason due to an injury, he is someone who can advance the ball, create fast-break opportunities, score buckets and get others involved. Two-way wing Quentin Grimes also has some ball-handling and facilitating ability, at least in a complementary capacity.
This article originally appeared on Lakers Wire: The Lakers are looking for Luka Doncic to play more off the ball