Since acquiring LeBron James in the summer of 2018, general manager Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers have tried different formulas in their roster construction. One formula they have not been able to replicate, though, is the one that has been most successful throughout James’ career.
That formula is surrounding James with movement shooters that take advantage of the superstar’s gravity and knock down open looks. Some players the Lakers have tried utilizing in this role are Wesley Matthews, Taurean Prince and even Kyle Kuzma. But the result has never matched what has worked for James in years past.