The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in an intriguing position as they navigate the 2024 preseason. With a blend of old and new faces, they’ve been experimenting with different strategies and approaches on the court, and one of the most notable aspects is their evolving focus on 3-point shooting. After suffering a narrow loss to the Phoenix Suns, 118-114, in their second preseason game, head coach JJ Redick gave some insight into his vision for the team's offensive direction.
Initially, Redick made waves when he expressed his desire for the Lakers to average about 50 3-point attempts per game. That’s a pretty bold number, especially considering how the Lakers have historically fared from beyond the arc. But as Redick spoke further, he tempered his expectations, walking back that ambitious target. By Tuesday, Redick clarified that even aiming for 40 3-point shots per game might be asking a bit too much, and he explained his perspective in more detail.
The truth is, shooting more threes has become a dominant trend across the league. Last season, the Lakers averaged 31.4 3-point attempts per game, ranking them 28th in the NBA. When you compare that to a team like the Boston Celtics, who took at least 40 three-pointers per game while also being second in 3-point accuracy, it’s clear why Redick is pushing for more. Still, even though he walked back the idea of shooting 50 or even 40 threes per game, his desire to see the Lakers take more shots from downtown is obvious. His goal now seems to be a healthy increase—about five or six more 3-point attempts per game—while maintaining a sharp focus on quality.
A More Measured Approach to 3-Point Shooting
When Redick addressed reporters after the team's practice on Tuesday, he struck a more balanced tone regarding his initial comments. “Yeah, I think 40 is a lot, but if you’re generating good ones, that’s a great number,” Redick said. His focus wasn’t just on launching more threes for the sake of it, but rather on making sure the Lakers are taking high-quality shots. “I would like us to average five or six more threes a game. But you have to be conscientious about how we’re generating those threes.”
This part of the equation is crucial. It’s one thing to jack up shots from beyond the arc, but it’s another to ensure that those shots are taken in rhythm, with the right players in the right positions. Redick pointed out that the Lakers have already been doing a solid job of creating open looks, even though there have been a few forced shots here and there. He noted, “There were a couple forced ones in transition off the dribble in the first half. Then there were a couple off offensive rebounds in the second half that I thought maybe we could’ve kept the ball moving and gotten a better shot.”
The quality of the shot is key here. Redick emphasized that he’s happy with the mindset the team has developed, which is to shoot when they’re set and to take good 3-point attempts. This type of focus will help the Lakers avoid settling for bad shots just because they want to take more threes.
Why the Increase in 3-Point Shooting Matters
To some, it might seem like a minor adjustment, but Redick's push for more 3-point attempts is a direct response to the way the modern NBA game is evolving. Teams that can’t space the floor effectively are at a major disadvantage, especially when trying to implement a five-out offense, which is a system where all five players spread around the perimeter, allowing for better driving lanes and kick-out opportunities.
The problem, of course, is that if a team can’t consistently hit those threes, opposing defenses won’t respect their shooters. This is where the Lakers need to find a balance. Just taking more threes won’t magically improve the team's spacing. If they’re going to get the respect of their opponents, they’ll need to hit those shots with more regularity. Right now, the Lakers are still working to find that balance.
In their first preseason game of 2024, the Lakers shot 32 threes, converting only 10. Not a terrible number, but not exactly what you'd want from a team aspiring to ramp up its 3-point volume. In the next game against the Suns, the Lakers upped their attempts to 40, but again, the results were middling, as they made only 11 of those. Taking more shots from downtown is only half the battle. Hitting them with consistency is where the real progress will show.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
The idea of shooting more threes is certainly exciting, but as Redick seems to realize, it’s not just about following the league trend—it’s about making those shots count. And while Redick has pulled back a little from his initial comments, his message is clear: the Lakers need to modernize their offensive approach, and a big part of that is increasing their 3-point volume in a smart and effective way.
There’s no denying that the three-pointer has become the lifeblood of today’s NBA offenses. Teams that can space the floor well have a distinct advantage, not just because it opens up driving lanes but because it forces defenses to stay honest. That’s the challenge for Redick and the Lakers this season. Can they increase their 3-point volume while maintaining or even improving their efficiency? It’s a tall order, but it’s one that’s necessary if they want to keep pace with the league’s elite teams.
Key Takeaways
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Increasing 3-Point Attempts: JJ Redick’s initial goal of having the Lakers shoot 50 3-pointers per game was ambitious, but even after adjusting to aim for a more realistic number, the focus remains on taking more threes. An additional five or six attempts per game could significantly change the dynamic of the Lakers’ offense.
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Quality Over Quantity: Redick emphasized that it’s not just about taking more shots, but about taking the right ones. The Lakers must focus on generating good looks and avoiding forced attempts, particularly in transition or after offensive rebounds.
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Spacing and Respect: To be effective in today’s NBA, the Lakers need to shoot at least a league-average percentage from three. Without that, defenses won’t respect their shooters, and the team's spacing will suffer.
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Work in Progress: As seen in their first two preseason games, the Lakers are still figuring out the balance between volume and efficiency. More attempts haven’t yet translated into more makes, but Redick is confident in the team's overall approach.
In conclusion, the Lakers’ quest to up their 3-point attempts is about more than just following the league’s trends—it's about adapting to a modern style of play that gives them the best chance to succeed. The road ahead may have some bumps, but with Redick’s measured approach, it’s clear the team is headed in the right direction.
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