The Lakers have started a season 0-3 for only the third time in the last 50 years. Why are the Lakers struggling?
OFFENSE:
The Lakers are shooting an effective field goal percentage of 46%, which ranks among the bottom third in the league. LA’s three-point shooting is an issue, as they are 1 of 9 teams shooting under 30% this season.
Despite the shooting woes, the team’s offensive rating is in the middle of the pack (16th).
The Lakers have been too reliant on the perimeter game, scoring just 36 points in the paint per game (26th). LA’s average shot distance is 15.5 feet, third-furthest in the NBA.
The balance is that the Lakers are drawing a lot of fouls. LA’s has the 7th-highest free throw rate in the league. The Lakers are scoring 23% of their total points from free throws, 4th in the NBA.
DEFENSE:
The Lakers are giving up 111.7 points per 100 possessions. The team’s defensive rating is 3.4% worse than last season, when it was 29th.
The Lakers are forcing turnovers at the lowest rate in the NBA. LA is forcing turnovers on just 9.7% percent of plays, a rate 14% lower than any other team.
The interior defense has been awful. The Lakers are allowing opponents to make 18 shots per game inside of 5 feet, 3rd-most in the league. LA is allowing 68% shooting within 5 feet, 28th in the league.
The transition defense has also been a major area of concern. The team’s efficiency is 28th, ahead of only the Grizzlies and Hornets, about 27% less efficient than the league average.
Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewmann.com.