State of the Los Angeles Lakers: Early Season Review

Los Angeles Lakers, JaVale McGee
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Vets Gon’ Vet

JaVale McGee and Tyson Chandler have been welcomed additions to this team. The Los Angeles Lakers allow just 103.5 points per 100 possessions with McGee on the floor and a dominant 89.3 points per 100 possessions with Chandler on the floor. Over the last eight games, the Lakers are fifth in the league in defensive rating at 104.8.

*typo: points per 100 possessions

Moreover, Rondo has been solid off the bench. He is probably getting too many minutes due to his poor defense and lack of spacing, but I like him in spots. Lance Stephenson has been a mixed bag. He has been better lately not trying to dominate the ball, but his fit on this team is still questionable since they have enough ball-handlers and he is not good enough of a shooter. Yes, he is shooting 42.9 percent on 2.7 3PAs per game, but given his career average of 30.7 percent, it is probably not sustainable.

Also, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been a train wreck so far. He is shooting an atrocious 28.2 from three. His defense has been inconsistent. Sometimes he makes a flashy hustle play and other times he gets lost. He was very solid last season as a shooter and defender and for some reason he has yet to find his rhythm on this team.

Next Up: Key Stats and Final Thoughts

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