5 things the Lakers can actually do to improve this year's team

5 things the Lakers can actually do to improve this year’s team

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 18: LeBron James of Los Angeles Lakers warms up before NBA game between Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers at the Chase Center on October 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California, United States. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 26: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives past Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on October 26, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

3. Make Anthony Davis play out of the post

Ham and his staff deserve credit for making Davis play the center position more than he would like. Now they need to actually force Davis to work more out of the low post on the offensive end of the floor.

It’s time for Davis to accept that he’s not going to be a quality three-point shooter. He shot 33 percent from 3 his first season in Los Angeles and has gotten progressively worse ever since. His current mark of 18.2 percent from 3 is only slightly below last year’s ugly mark of 18.6 percent.

Taking an occasional wide-open 3 on the secondary break should remain a part of Davis’ arsenal, but otherwise, he needs to recommit himself to carving out space at the rim. That’s where he can use his length to shoot over opponents with a feathery touch.

Making Davis a focal point of the half-court offense in the post should also open up cutting lanes for the rest of the team’s starting five. He’s a solid passer with his back to the basket or when facing up to defenders at the elbow. Upping Davis’ usage as a passer and shooter from the post should be a part of Ham’s immediate to-do list.

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