Outside shots are not allowed by the Lakers. L.A. shot 9-for-45 from 3 in the loss to the Clippers. It was worse than the Lakers' 10-for-40 clip from deep in their opening night loss to the Warriors.
Even after the Lakers went 0-for-9 on 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, he didn't say anything about the lack of "lasers" on the roster.
James said he wouldn't be harping on what his team can't do every game. That isn't a leader. Is there anything we can do? Our ass can be defended. We were able to win tonight because we did that, but we couldn't make it happen. I'm okay with that
The Lakers held the Clippers to just 103 points and 80 total shots while forcing 22 turnovers.
James told reporters that L.A.'s shooting will improve but that it won't be the winning formula.
James said that if we're reliant on outside shooting, then we're in trouble. I don't worry about that or think about that. It's how hard we play, how aggressive we play, and how determined we are to win. We need to defend. We will give ourselves a chance to win when we defend.
The Lakers shot themselves in the foot by being so off, but they can't stay away from open looks.
Anthony Davis was 2-for-4 from 3 while the rest of L.A.'s starters were 5-for-28. You should be confident in your shot. They'll fall. You can't do anything but shoot.
The Lakers had more quality shot attempts by their metrics than any of the other teams that played on opening night, according to the coach.
After the game, Ham was asked if the shots might be open because opponents are packing the lane to prevent the Lakers from shooting.
"I think you could say that," he said. We have to take care of our business We want to play that way. We will accept it if they give us those shots. That is how we want to play. We want to play with freedom and speed.
These guys make shots in practice and shootaround. The game floor is where they need to do it. As simple as that, it is.
Lakers guard Russell Westbrook had a particularly difficult shooting night, going 0-for-11 overall (including 0-for 6 from 3), but his night was defended by James.
James said to flush it down the toilet and prepare for Sunday. He's been in the service for a long time. All of us have had bad shooting nights. I have had bad shooting days. Everyone has had bad shooting nights. Who doesn't care? He played well. He was in tip top shape on the defensive side. He wasn't allowed to leave. The man pushed the pace. He didn't make a shot.
When asked to assess his performance, the man who finished with five steals, four assists and just one turnover looked ahead to the next game against the Trail blazers.
He was happy with his night. It was played hard. It's all you can ask for. You should go on to the next one.
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