Los Angeles Lakers

Speaking of teams that need floor spacing…Well, every contending team does. Still, the Los Angeles Lakers have a particular need for competent three-point shooters.

Last season, they had such a glaring absence of them that their offense was barely functional.

Generally speaking, ball-dominant playmakers need to be surrounded by shooters. The Lakers happen to roster two such players. If this squad does head into 2022-23 with Russell Westbrook back at the point, Hardaway Jr. will go a long way towards maximizing his game.

Even if the Los Angeles Lakers don’t, he’s a perfect complement to LeBron James. Since James is an effective three-point shooter, he doesn’t depend on spacing as much as Westbrook. It still maximizes his abilities.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: NBA Trade Grades: Who Won Mavericks-Rockets Christian Wood Swap?

The last time we checked, maximizing LeBron James’ abilities is a solid recipe for an NBA championship. The Los Angeles Lakers would be wise to lean into that.