In an offseason that included many big-time moves, LeBron James took his talents to sunny Los Angeles to do something he’s never done before – play with a pool of young talent with only four players above the age of 30. Within the roster, there are three wildcards for who could make or break the team. Of course, all three are under the age of 30.
Michael Beasley (PF)
In one of the most overlooked signings this offseason, the Lakers managed to steal the former #2 overall pick.
Last season, Beasley made a strong comeback, averaging 13.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in only 22.3 minutes of action. This was all done while shooting 39.5% from three and 50.7% from the field.
He dazzled Knicks fans, recording three 30-point games and even received “MVP” chants from the crowd at Madison Square Garden.
A player of his caliber could start for most teams in the league. In LA, however, Beasley will most likely find his role on the Lakers’ second unit where he’s bound to be effective when taking his past into consideration. Last year, he even became the first NBA player to come off the bench and put up 32 points and 12 rebounds while playing less than 25 minutes.
With LeBron aging, it’s likely that he’ll both need and want to play fewer minutes per game. With Beasley on the second unit, the Lakers can trust him to create his own shot with his elite mid-range game and series of post moves where his athleticism will surely show. His ability to act as a threat in the pick-and-roll will further generate opportunities for the Lakers as he can catch lobs or step behind the three-point line, where he’s shooting 39.5%, which is above the league average of 35.4%.
On the defensive end, Beasley will be able to switch onto multiple positions at 6’9″ and will surely keep opponents weary due to his speed and athleticism. Look for Beasley to improve his scoring and rebounding totals, as he’ll most likely receive an increase of minutes from coach Luke Walton.
Lonzo Ball (PG)
Playing with LeBron James, it’ll be interesting to see how Lonzo will change his game to adapt to LeBron – who is the Lakers’ new system.
Traditionally, James has always played with guards who complement his game. They need to be able to shoot and create their own shot or a mix of both skill sets. However, Lonzo has struggled with those two requirements, shooting 36% from the field, 30.5% from three, and an abysmal 45.1% from the charity stripe.
What this means is that playing off the ball will not be an option for Ball. In order to bring his effectiveness to its peak, Ball will need to run some type of action with LeBron and do what he excels at – sharing the ball.
Playing with James. however, does mean that not only Ball but all of the Lakers will be able to take higher quality shots due to the gravity James brings when driving. More open looks should theoretically improve Ball’s shooting percentages which always come when playing with LeBron James.
Lonzo Ball has always been an enigma and that will not change in the coming season. While he does have his upsides, he also has just as many downsides which may limit his effectiveness while playing with James. However, it’s important to note that Ball is only in his second-year and the pressure of meeting James’ expectations will only push him to better himself as a ballplayer.
Josh Hart (SG)
As one of the most underrated players on the Lakers, Josh Hart certainly doesn’t receive enough credit for his accomplishments.
The former NCAA champion averaged 18.8 points and shot 44.4% from three on 3.2 attempts per game in the first five games of the summer league. He also locked up players like Furkan Korkmaz who dropped 40 points the night before their matchup. For his efforts, he was awarded the Summer League MVP.
From his play during the summer league, Hart shows great potential in meshing with LeBron. Because unlike Lonzo, Hart is a great defender and a great three-point shooter who can knock down catch-and-shoot shots at a high rate. In college, 62 of the 74 three-pointers he made were of the catch-and-shoot variety, which means that he’s most effective in that particular situation.
Now that LeBron is donning purple and gold, Hart should receive even better opportunities and further increase his volume of shots as well as his overall percentage.
In an episode everyone has seen before, LeBron James will drive, kick it to the corner- Hart’s hot spot- Hart will catch, and effortlessly release the ball; nothing but net.
Hart should be one of Lebron’s favorite teammates to play with due to the complements in skills and their playstyles. If all goes well, expect Hart to easily make his way into the conversation for next year’s Most Improved Player Award.
What are your expectations for the Lakers? Can they compete with the Warriors? Let me know! @JustPerSources