X-Factor #2: Can JaVale McGee Score?
The Lakers’ lineup will feature the scoring of LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma, and Brandon Ingram. However, in order for them to, it will take other players putting the ball in the basket. Most notably, that means JaVale McGee, who has been able to score in short spurs throughout his career, but not always in the most consistent manner. Yes, Lance Stephenson can score when properly motivated, but the Lakers will need a presence from the paint to do some heavy lifting.
The issue here is that throughout his career, McGee has never averaged more than 11.9 points per game and has started only 45+ games just once. If the Lakers expect McGee to become a go-to scorer with a polished inside-out game, they’re asking for too much. But still, with LeBron and Rajon Rondo pushing the tempo, there’s a possibility he will get his fair share of chances to improve on the 7.5 points per game he’s averaged over his career.
It’s easy to point at McGee’s FG percentage and brag how accurate he is. But when you’re averaging just 3.4 attempts per game over the last two seasons, it’s not that hard to have inflated numbers.
Next Up: X-Factor No. 3
