One of the newest Los Angeles Lakers spoke to the media on Tuesday and he is one that fits in a lot of different ways. Matthews’ father was a part of the Lakers from 1986-1888 and was on both of those championship teams in ’87 and ’88, while Matthews developed a relationship with the late Kobe Bryant after suffering a torn Achilles back in 2015. He’s also re-established himself as a capable player in the league after that injury, so much so that he was a starter for a Bucks team that had the best record in the league last season. But one thing that has defined Matthews throughout his career is his work ethic and belief he can be more than his assigned station in the league.
Matthews hopes to do that again with the Lakers and while many expect him to stand and watch while the Lakers stars make things happen, he is ready to unleash an underrated aspect of his game with L.A.: his off-ball movement, as transcribed by SB Nation’s Christian Rivas.
Watching the Lakers from a distance and competing against them, there’s a lot of ball movement, a lot of player movement, a lot of random situations; stuff that I feel like I really excel in, and an underrated part of my game is playing off the ball.
Moving off the ball is a key part of being a good 3-point shooter and can be even better with a guy like LeBron James. James is arguably the best passer in the league and having players like Matthews, who can shift into open windows on the outside while the defense isn’t looking, is like having a smart wide receiver who can find an open space on his routes.
While NBA defenses have man responsibilities, the way they have to help makes them connected and when they have to shift to someone like LeBron James, finding the hole in the shift is a skill that can help Matthews and the Lakers defend L.A.’s title.
