And while the starting five had one of the highest plus/minus ratings in the league, the team’s bench mostly underachieved last year. Oftentimes those players would squander substantial leads built by the starters.
This year the Lakers have come back stronger by essentially replacing Jordan Farmar, Josh Powell and DJ Mbenga with Steve Blake, Matt Barnes and Theo Ratliff.
The team’s second-round draft picks of Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter were among the top performers in Summer League play.
In addition, Shannon Brown worked hard on his game over the summer, determined to become a better all-around player and be known for more than just highlight-reel dunks.
What looks good on paper doesn’t always translate to on-court success (just look at the cross-town Los Angeles Clippers, for instance). But to the concern of the rest of the league, LA’s bench is actually performing rather well this season thus far.
For instance, last year the Lakers bench was outscored 25.3 ppg to 30.4 ppg and out-rebounded 11.9 rpg to 13.8 rpg. The reserves shot .427 from the field and .342 from three-point territory, while allowing opposing reserve units to shoot a .446 field goal percentage.
Although the team has played just four games so far, the reserves are noticeably better. Led by the “killer Bs” of Blake, Barnes and Brown, the bench has outscored opposing reserves 33.0 ppg to 31.8 ppg and has out-rebounded them by 15.3 rpg to 14.5 rpg.
While only shooting .413 from the field as a unit, the Lakers reserves have also shot .515 from three-point territory while holding opposing units to .412 field goal shooting and .174 three-point shooting.
Not onl...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
