In a season full of highs and lows for the Los Angeles Lakers, one game stood out as a defining moment for their offensive firepower. The Lakers set a new season-high for three-pointers in a single game, knocking down 22 threes—tying the franchise record. This remarkable performance not only showcased the team’s growing shooting confidence but also demonstrated a shift in their offensive philosophy, one that has the potential to elevate them as genuine contenders in the Western Conference.
A Shift Towards the Three-Point Line
Historically, the Lakers have been known for their dominant inside play, led by stars like Shaquille O’Neal and more recently, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, the modern NBA has shifted towards perimeter shooting, and the Lakers, under coach Darvin Ham, have slowly embraced the three-point shot as a major component of their offensive game plan.
Coming into this season, the Lakers were never considered a top-tier shooting team. Despite having key players who could knock down threes, including LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell, the team had yet to fully embrace the three-point revolution that was sweeping the league. However, after making key moves in the offseason and fine-tuning their offense throughout the year, the Lakers have begun to see the fruits of their labor.
Against a tough opponent on their home court, the Lakers put on an electrifying shooting display, with 22 three-pointers falling through the net. This performance was not just a fluke but a testament to how far the team has come in its offensive development.
Breaking the Franchise Record
The 22 threes tied a franchise record for the most made in a single game, matching a previous high that had stood for years. The feat was even more impressive considering the Lakers’ history with three-point shooting. In the past, their reliance on dominant big men and star power in the paint meant that perimeter shooting was often an afterthought. However, in recent seasons, the Lakers have made significant strides in expanding their offensive game beyond the arc.
Leading the charge in this game was D’Angelo Russell, who had a spectacular shooting night. Russell’s smooth stroke and ability to hit from deep were on full display, and his leadership on the floor was critical in setting the tone for the rest of the team. Austin Reaves also contributed heavily to the effort, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor and capitalize on open looks. Even LeBron James, known for his ability to drive and finish at the rim, stepped outside and knocked down multiple threes, making it clear that he’s embracing the evolution of his game as well.
The Lakers’ ability to hit from beyond the arc was a complete team effort, with several players contributing to the overall total. Whether it was a spot-up three, a catch-and-shoot, or a pull-up jumper in transition, the Lakers showed they could create and knock down open looks from deep at will.
A New Look at Their Offensive Identity
What made this performance even more remarkable was the context surrounding it. The Lakers had struggled at times during the season to find consistent offensive rhythm. Their reliance on LeBron James to create offense often left them vulnerable to teams with elite defensive schemes. However, in this game, the Lakers showed that they are no longer just a team built around LeBron’s individual brilliance. They’re starting to establish a more balanced, dynamic offense that revolves around ball movement, spacing, and, of course, three-point shooting.
Coach Darvin Ham has placed an emphasis on expanding the Lakers’ offensive playbook, and this game was a prime example of how that philosophy is beginning to pay off. The Lakers are no longer just a team that waits for LeBron to break down defenses; they’re a team that can shoot the ball from anywhere, keeping opposing defenses on their toes.
The Impact on the Lakers’ Playoff Push
This game, in which the Lakers set a new season-high for threes, couldn’t have come at a better time. As the regular season draws closer to its end, the Lakers are jockeying for playoff positioning in a tightly packed Western Conference. Their ability to shoot from deep, in addition to their already potent inside game, could give them the offensive balance they need to make a deep playoff run.
While the Lakers’ defense remains one of their strong suits, their ability to stretch the floor and shoot efficiently from beyond the arc will be key to their success in the postseason. Teams in the West, such as the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns, have built their identities around potent offense, and the Lakers’ recent shooting performance gives them a new weapon to compete at the highest level.
Looking Ahead
With LeBron James continuing to defy age and new stars like Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Austin Reaves emerging, the Lakers are slowly evolving into a more well-rounded team. This record-setting performance is a perfect illustration of that evolution. The ability to knock down 22 threes in a game—matching a franchise high—is a statement that the Lakers are no longer relying solely on their inside game. They are evolving with the times, and as the season heads into the stretch run, their shooting ability could be a game-changer.
As the Lakers continue to develop their three-point shooting and fine-tune their offensive identity, they become a more dangerous team in the West. If they can sustain this level of perimeter shooting, they’ll be a serious threat to anyone in the playoffs, and this performance might just be the spark they need to make a deep postseason run.
