Lakers Struggling with 3-Point Shooting Despite Solid Start to Season

SALT LAKE CITY — The Los Angeles Lakers are feeling the pressure as they approach 20 percent of the NBA season. After a hard-fought victory against the Utah Jazz, Austin Reaves sat at his locker reflecting on the team’s performance. The Lakers, now 12-4, have secured four consecutive wins and are tied for the third-best record in the league.

Reaves has consistently contributed to the team, recording over 20 points in all but one game this season. However, the looming challenge is the Lakers’ dismal three-point shooting accuracy, which has reached a lowly 29.6 percent combined for Reaves, Luka Dončić, and Marcus Smart. With Reaves set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, he is also aware of the financial implications of his performance.

When questioned about their shooting struggles, Reaves reacted humorously, slightly hitting his head on his locker in frustration. “F—,” he exclaimed, before apologizing to the communications staff. “I’ll do anything to make a 3,” he added after a disappointing game against the Jazz where he shot just 1 of 8 from behind the arc.

Dončić echoed Reaves’ sentiment, admitting, “I think me and AR haven’t hit a shot this season.” Their noteworthy struggles are highlighted by the fact that only a handful of teams are performing worse in three-point shooting this season.

Head coach JJ Redick addressed the issue directly with his team, stating, “We’re literally one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA right now. I don’t think that’s who we are. We’ve got to make shots. We’ve got to shoot them with confidence.”

Despite ranking 15th in offense and 14th in defense, the Lakers have managed to win games amidst their shooting woes. “I think it’s just chemistry. Care factor’s high,” Reaves said, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mutual support among players.

The Lakers have been actively fostering team chemistry off the court as well. Recently, they participated in a pickleball tournament, a strategy aimed at strengthening bonds among teammates. The team has had to learn resilience early on, particularly when playing without key players like Dončić and Reaves.

The latest set back was Deandre Ayton, who suffered a knee contusion during the game against the Jazz and left in the second half. However, LeBron James‘ return has provided a boost to the team’s morale. He contributed 17 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, despite struggling from three-point range.

“I’m in great shape physically,” James shared after the game. “But as far as my wind, I got to keep working. It doesn’t help that it’s my second game back playing in Utah altitude. Every game I’ll get better.”

Redick remains optimistic despite the shooting struggles, acknowledging the Lakers’ ability to stay competitive. “We’re not worried about it,” James affirmed. “We got too many good shooters. It won’t last.” The coaching staff and players are hopeful that as they continue to build chemistry, their shot accuracy will improve.

“Our togetherness is important,” Redick concluded. “Whatever the game requires at night, that’s what we’re going to do to try to put us in a position to win.”