The Los Angeles Lakers have started 12-4, tying for second in the Western Conference, yet they struggle mightily from beyond the arc. The team shoots just 33.3% from three-point range, placing them 26th out of 30 NBA teams this season.

Key shooters, including Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, hover around a career-low 31% from deep. Even Marcus Smart, a frequent perimeter shooter, is connecting at only 24% on threes. In their latest win against Utah, the Lakers converted just 10 of 38 three-point attempts.

This poor shooting efficiency contrasts sharply with their strong inside-the-arc scoring and high free-throw attempts, which have helped them remain effective overall.​

LeBron James’ Optimism

LeBron James addresses these struggles with patience and assurance. After wins, he emphasizes the team's depth of shooting talent, dismissing concerns that their current slump is permanent.

James insists this rough patch "won't last" because the Lakers possess enough skilled shooters to turn things around. This positive outlook is vital for maintaining team morale and confidence while awaiting a rebound in shooting performance.

LeBron’s leadership, both on and off the court, keeps the Lakers focused on long-term success despite temporary shooting setbacks.​

JJ Redick’s Realistic Yet Encouraging Stance

Coach JJ Redick offers a candid assessment of the problem, acknowledging the Lakers as "literally one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA right now."

He stresses the importance of confidence and collective belief in their ability to improve shot-making. Redick highlights the team’s 23 assists during the Utah game, underscoring their unselfish play and open looks that have yet to materialize into consistent shots.

He is optimistic based on prior patterns of improvement in previous seasons and believes the team’s physical defense and ball movement will eventually translate to better shooting percentages. Redick is pushing for a shooting rebound as a crucial step for the Lakers to sustain their championship aspirations.