Although the Los Angeles Lakers of LeBron James’ first season boasted a plethora of playmakers at The King’s disposal, all that translated to was a mostly inexperienced group of guards and a collection of veterans that weren’t good 3-point shooters. But despite a difference in team structure that prioritized shooting over additional playmaking, reports from Lakers training camp suggest James may actually have a chance to play more away from the ball this season.
No matter what happens, however, LeBron isn’t worried about what things look like.
LeBron has been looking for a reliable pick-and-roll partner since Kyrie Irving left the Cavaliers. While LeBron is one of the best in the league at handling the ball, allowing him to become a screener opens another dimension of offense and keeps defenses even more off-balance.
LeBron and Davis will have success together running pick-and-roll, but the Lakers need diversity in their attack.
However, that would require the Lakers to have a point guard they trust to work with LeBron. Everyone from Avery Bradley to Rajon Rondo to Alex Caruso have gotten rave reviews, so that battle still needs to sort itself out.
