Even at full strength, it is a very difficult task for the Los Angeles Lakers to get their offense going against the Oklahoma City Thunder defense that is the best in the NBA. But without superstar guard Luka Doncic, the onus falls to LeBron James and Austin Reaves to carry things on that end of the court.
In Game 1 of their second-round series, the Lakers were unable to do that as they managed just 90 points on 42% shooting from the field in a 108-90 loss. When asked about the source of the Lakers’ offensive struggles, James pointed out the obvious, that things are much more difficult without Doncic, and discussed how they can be better.
“We have a guy that averaged 37 a game (not in the lineup)… There’s the issues right there,” James said after the loss. “We’re playing against the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA, as far as the ratings and everything. And when you play against great defenses, you have to have guys that can attract multiple defenders on the floor at all times.
“I feel like we got some great shots tonight, we missed them. When you play against the world champions, having a guy that averages 34-8-9, whatever the hell it is, that’s special. So we have to be better at finding ways to get to the blender, finding ways to get to the paint.
“We know they’re a paint-swarming team, so they have to be better with getting to the paint and not turning the ball over and then shooting with confidence. But I feel like we got some really good looks.”
It isn’t just the shot making of Doncic that the Lakers miss, but the gravity and defensive attention that he attracts, which makes such a difference. His ability to get into the paint creates open looks and easy baskets for everyone else and the Lakers have to find a way to make up for that.
Without Doncic, the Thunder and their multitude of elite perimeter defenders were really able to lock in on Reaves and he struggled mightily with just eight points on 3-of-16 from the field, along with a team-high four turnovers.
James led the Lakers with 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting with six assists, but this team will need more from him and, especially, Reaves. James, as well as head coach JJ Redick, both feel that the Lakers were able to get some good looks, but if they plan on extending this series they must figure out how to dissect this Thunder defense as Doncic is still a ways away from returning.
Luka Doncic on ‘slow path’ to return for Lakers
The latest update on Doncic’s return from his Grade 2 left hamstring strain are that he is on a “slow path” to recovery and is still not participating in full contact workouts.
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