NBA Los Angeles Lakers

Byron Scott Needs To Abandon Antiquated Offense With Los Angeles Lakers

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By @AnthonyIrwinNBA

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Let me take you back to the simpler times. Times in which social media consisted of personal advertisements in your local newspaper; touch screen technology was only the screen door that kept bugs out and the cool breeze in; shots in basketball were worth two points no matter where they were taken from. Those times were prior to 1978, and Byron Scott apparently misses ‘em. His Los Angeles Lakers have attempted eight threes their last two preseason games, making none.

In the 1979 season, the NBA adopted the three-point line, and coaches were slow to implement it in their own offensive schemes. That would make sense in the 70s. Here we are, however, 35 years later, with encyclopedias of proof that offenses become exponentially more efficient with proper use of the three-pointer. Scott’s tactics spit in the face of all that logic. He has no time for analytics; he’s focused on the contested 19-footer — otherwise known as the least efficient shot in today’s NBA.

Yes, two of the Lakers’ best three-point shooters (Steve Nash and Nick Young) are currently injured, but that should not force the team to stray from the shot altogether. All signs are pointing to Nash not being healthy at all this season, and Young is still wearing a cast on his shooting hand. Does this mean during the entirety of their injuries, fans have to sit and watch a strategy only Gene Hackman would enjoy while coaching Hickory High? For those of you who didn’t get the reference, it’s okay; the movie (Hoosiers), like Scott’s offense, is ancient.

Look at the most successful teams in today’s NBA. Seven of the last eight NBA Champions attempted more than 18.5 threes per game. The Lakers’ chances at a title are somewhere between slim and none, but if they continue shooting the three at that rate, Scott might break Mike D’Antoni’s record for losses in a season. Two games is a tiny sample size and I don’t expect single-digit attempts per game, but the fact that it’s become even a slight possibility is alarming.

Let’s consider why the Lakers’ focus has shifted to the mid-range jumper. It starts with their best player. Kobe Bryant is one of the best pull up jump-shooters from 15 to 19 feet in the history of the league. That’s a great shot for him, but obviously it shouldn’t be the focus of the entire offense, right? Bryant and Scott go way back. When Mike Brown was the coach, Kobe pushed for the Princeton offense. The Lakers are now running said Princeton offense. You don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to connect those dots. It’s no wonder the Mamba looks so happy. He’s running the team.

The Lakers lose their 2015 first-round draft pick if it falls outside of the top five. Look on the bright side, Lakers fans; if Scott continues at this pace, the Lakers will almost certainly keep it. Let’s just hope they don’t use it to draft Jimmy Chitwood.

Anthony F. Irwin is an NBA, NFL, MLB and NCAA Football contributor for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. Send him an email at .

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