The Lakers are absolutely done with that abysmal 103.4 offensive rating. Seriously, last year’s main starting five, which featured Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, posted a number that would have been dead last in the entire league by a mile. Now, with LeBron James no longer with the team and Media Day just wrapping up, the message coming from El Segundo is crystal clear: LA is ditching that stagnant mess for something entirely new.
No More Standing Around
Austin Reaves was the one who really spilled the beans, saying they’re going to be “versatile in what we’re going to do every single possession.” This ain’t gonna be the same old predictable pick-and-roll plays every time down the floor. He’s talking “free-flowing basketball,” where the ball truly moves side to side, forcing defenses into rotation. Head Coach JJ Redick even mentioned trying to install “utility plays” last season just to force Luka, LeBron, and Reaves to get involved, making them interchangeable as screeners or creators. That specific five-person lineup, which included Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton, both gone now, just wasn’t cutting it. That 103.4 offensive rating speaks volumes, and it’s a fresh slate.
Kessler’s New Bag and the ‘Connector’
The biggest offseason addition, Walker Kessler, is obviously still gonna bring his phenomenal screen-and-roll ability. He even admitted that’ll be a “big part of the offense.” But do not sleep on this dude: he’s been putting in serious work to “expand my game on the offensive side,” specifically noting his comfort as a passer and a shooter. Last year, he hit six 3-pointers in just five games he played in Utah, the exact same number he hit in 58 games the season prior! Plus, his assists also doubled to almost two per game. This means he’s not just a rim protector anymore; he could become a genuine “offensive hub,” creating opportunities with that big wall he sets. And speaking of new faces, Sandro Mamukelashvili seems to be the unofficial swap for Hachimura this summer. Mamukelashvili says he’s all about bringing “a lot of versatility to the team,” aiming to stretch the floor out and be a “connector.” Hachimura might have been the better shooter by percentage, but this new guy fits the “free-flowing” vision perfectly.
Time to See It Happen
Media Day just hit, with nine fresh new faces ready to make their mark on this Lakers squad. The full starting lineup ain’t named yet, but the vibe is absolutely undeniable. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are stepping up as the unquestioned leaders. With Kessler showing off a more complete offensive game and Mamukelashvili ready to connect the pieces, this Lakers team is aiming to totally shake off last season’s offensive struggles. They’re trying to bring a whole new dynamic to the court, and everyone is waiting to see if this “free-flowing” talk truly translates to real-time buckets when the season tips off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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