The Los Angeles Lakers currently rank last in the NBA in 3-point attempts per game, averaging just 30.5 attempts. They also sit near the bottom in 3-pointers made per game, ranking 28th with 10.7 makes per game, though they are 16th in 3-point percentage at 35%.
1. Boston Celtics – 50.3 3PA (19.1 3PM, 38.1%)
2. Charlotte Hornets – 44.5 3PA (17.5 3PM, 39.5%)
3. Chicago Bulls – 43.8 3PA (16.8 3PM, 38.1%)
4. Golden State Warriors – 42.8 3PA (17.2 3PM, 40.1%)
5. Brooklyn Nets – 42.3 3PA (15.5 3PM, 36.6%)
6. Orlando Magic – 41.2 3PA (14.2 3PM, 34.4%)
7. Minnesota Timberwolves – 41.0 3PA (15.8 3PM, 38.6%)
8. Oklahoma City Thunder – 40.8 3PA (14.0 3PM, 34.3%)
9. Houston Rockets – 40.5 3PA (13.5 3PM, 33.3%)
10. Phoenix Suns – 40.2 3PA (15.3 3PM, 38.2%)
11. Washington Wizards – 39.2 3PA (13.2 3PM, 33.7%)
12. Dallas Mavericks – 38.6 3PA (13.8 3PM, 35.8%)
13. Miami Heat – 38.4 3PA (14.4 3PM, 37.5%)
14. Atlanta Hawks – 37.7 3PA (13.2 3PM, 37.7%)
15. Utah Jazz – 37.5 3PA (10.5 3PM, 28.0%)
16. Milwaukee Bucks – 37.0 3PA (12.3 3PM, 33.3%)
17. Cleveland Cavaliers – 36.6 3PA (14.9 3PM, 40.6%)
18. Detroit Pistons – 35.8 3PA (12.7 3PM, 35.8%)
19. Sacramento Kings – 35.3 3PA (11.5 3PM, 35.5%)
20. Philadelphia 76ers – 35.2 3PA (11.0 3PM, 31.3%)
21. San Antonio Spurs – 35.0 3PA (11.2 3PM, 31.9%)
22. Portland Trail Blazers – 34.1 3PA (11.7 3PM, 34.1%)
23. LA Clippers – 33.3 3PA (11.0 3PM, 33.0%)
24. Memphis Grizzlies – 33.1 3PA (11.7 3PM, 35.3%)
25. Indiana Pacers – 33.0 3PA (11.5 3PM, 34.8%)
26. New York Knicks – 32.6 3PA (13.6 3PM, 32.6%)
27. New Orleans Pelicans – 31.2 3PA (11.0 3PM, 35.3%)
28. Toronto Raptors – 31.1 3PA (10.6 3PM, 31.9%)
29. Denver Nuggets – 30.7 3PA (11.7 3PM, 30.7%)
30. Los Angeles Lakers – 30.5 3PA (10.7 3PM, 35.0%)
For a team aiming to adapt to the modern NBA’s emphasis on perimeter shooting, this is a troubling trend. Head coach JJ Redick, known for his own shooting prowess as a player, has expressed his desire to increase the Lakers’ 3-point attempts, recognizing the critical role long-range shooting plays in today’s game. However, implementing this vision has proven challenging in the early part of the season.
Redick’s emphasis on 3-point shooting is hardly surprising given his background as a prolific shooter in his playing days. He understands that in a league where teams like the Boston Celtics are averaging over 50 three-point attempts per game, the Lakers need to be more aggressive from beyond the arc to stay competitive.
Top teams in the league such as the Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and Brooklyn Nets are all averaging above 42 attempts per game, with effective shooting percentages to match. In contrast, the Lakers’ low attempt numbers highlight an area of concern and one that limits their offensive versatility.
One reason for the Lakers’ low attempt rate might be their personnel. While LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves are talented players, they are not naturally high-volume 3-point shooters. LeBron has improved his range over the years, but he remains a player who prefers to operate in transition and near the basket.
Similarly, Davis is at his best in the post or mid-range, and while he has worked on his outside shot, he is not a volume shooter from deep. Reaves can hit from beyond the arc but tends to play a balanced game, scoring from multiple areas on the court rather than focusing solely on 3-pointers. This combination means the Lakers often rely on more traditional shot selections, which naturally reduces their 3-point attempts.
The team’s 3-point shooting stats showcase varying levels of accuracy and volume. Austin Reaves leads in attempts at 5.8 per game, hitting 2.2 shots for a respectable 37.1%. D’Angelo Russell follows closely with 5.7 attempts but struggles with a 29.4% success rate. LeBron James is also attempting 5.7 per game but boasts the highest accuracy among high-volume shooters at 44.1%, converting 2.5 of his attempts. Dalton Knecht, with 3.8 attempts, makes 1.3 for a decent 34.8% clip. Rui Hachimura stands out for his efficiency, making 1.7 out of 3.2 attempts at an impressive 52.6%.
On the lower end, Gabe Vincent attempts 2.7 per game but converts only 18.8%, while Max Christie and Anthony Davis both hit 25.0% from beyond the arc, with Christie attempting 2.0 and Davis 1.3 shots. Bronny James, with 0.7 attempts, has yet to make a 3-point shot, sitting at 0.0%. This lineup shows a mix of reliable shooters and those still finding consistency from deep.
Redick is actively working to change this approach, emphasizing spacing and 3-point opportunities in the Lakers’ offensive scheme. During practice, he has encouraged his players, especially younger talents like rookie Dalton Knecht, to adopt a more aggressive shooting mentality. Redick wants Knecht, who shows promise as a shooter, to look for his shot rather than pass up open looks. By developing Knecht and others as confident shooters, Redick hopes to gradually raise the team’s 3-point volume.
Despite this strategic push, the Lakers have not yet seen significant improvement. In a competitive Western Conference, where teams like the Warriors and Timberwolves have high 3-point volume and accuracy, the Lakers’ lack of outside shooting could become a glaring disadvantage. Additionally, the absence of consistent 3-point threats makes it easier for opposing defenses to clog the paint against LeBron and Davis, limiting their scoring options inside.
As the season progresses, the Lakers will need to either improve their 3-point shooting volume or find other ways to spread the floor. Redick’s goal of a more balanced, three-heavy offense will require time and perhaps roster adjustments to match the league’s top perimeter-shooting teams.
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