The Los Angeles Lakers may be one of the most balanced teams in the NBA when it comes to production from the perimeter and the post, but that balance doesn't extend beyond the three point line.
Consistency and point guard defense may have been the Lakers' weakest areas last season, but their 34 percent average from behind the three point line is certainly a statistic that could use some attention.
34 percent is not a horrible number and with the multitude of offensive weapons at the Lakers' disposal it may seem like a minor detail, but a consistent three point game helps the team in a variety of ways.
Teams would think twice about double teaming Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum in the paint, and Kobe Bryant would probably face more single coverage if a consistent three point shooter roamed the perimeter.
The triangle offense affords the Lakers numerous open looks from the perimeter, and players such as Shannon Brown, Jordan Farmar, and Ron Artest were able to capitalize at times.
Farmar's 37 percent from beyond the arc led the Lakers, and Artest chipped in with 35 percent to lead the starters, but both players were streaky from behind the line at best and Artest had his fair share of "what was he thinking?" moments.
Phil Jackson's Chicago Bulls teams never had the dominant post players that his Lakers' teams have had, but they always had players who could make the opposition pay for doubling Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan.
Craig Hodges, John Paxson, and B.J. Armstrong were a few of the players who made the Bulls so deadly from beyond the arc, and the Lakers may have found their own three point threat in Steve Blake.
Blake brings size and ball-handling to the point guard position for the Lakers, but more importantly he brings a 40 percent average from the three point line, and the reputation of a consistent long distance shooter.
Derek Fi...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
