3 things the New Orleans Pelicans can learn from the Los Angeles Lakers

New Orleans Pelicans: Los Angeles Lakers dominate in many ways

It’s not all about the 3-point shot

When the New Orleans Pelicans are hitting their 3-point shots they are nearly impossible to beat.

But then again, you can say that about every team in the NBA, including the Lakers, who nailed eleven 3-point shots in the first half alone in game 1 of the NBA Finals.

However, the Lakers don’t rely on the 3-point shot entirely, in fact, they were 23rd in the NBA in 3-pointers made per game in the regular season and have been dead last in the playoffs.

How can this be? The team that will likely win the title can’t shoot the 3-pointer? I thought it was the key to everything?

The truth is that it’s not. If you have effective post and mid-range players, as the Lakers do, you can still thrive offensively without chucking a ton of 3-pointers.

The Lakers probably wish they had a few more shooters, sure, but they’ve also shown it shouldn’t be the only focus. Guys like Rajon Rondo and KCP can knock them down occasionally, but their perimeter defense is far more important to the Lakers’ chances than their shooting.

Of course, the Lakers have two of the best offensive players in existence, but the Pelicans have Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, two great scorers who don’t need to shoot 3-point shots to be effective.

It’s a nice weapon to have, but is not the only one and teams should stop acting like it is. Teams are actually passing on players like Bam Adebayo in the draft because they can’t shoot 3-pointers.

That thinking is asinine and the Lakers are proving you can get it done offensively without just standing behind the 3-point line.

I am never one to admit that the Lakers have done anything well, but I have to admit that I admire the way they went against the grain.

The Pelicans need to get bigger, better on defense and stop relying so heavily on the 3-point shot if they want to be a playoff contender.