Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Midseason Takeaways

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Jan 3, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young (0) is congratulated by Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) after a 3-point basket in the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies during a NBA game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Ball movement and less turnovers is key to the Lakers’ success

The Lakers’ guards aren’t playing poorly. Point guard D’Angelo Russell is averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. Shooting guard Nick Young is shooting 53.6 percent from the three-point line in the Lakers’ last 10 games.

But Los Angeles is 26th in the league in assists per game (20.6). When registering under 20 assists as a team, the Lakers are 4-16 this year. They could also look to improve their play on the road. They are 5-16 this season and averaging 19.6 assists per game.

The Lakers are 24th in the league in turnovers per game at 15.4. Randle and Russell lead the team with 2.7 each. Lou Williams averages 2.2 per game and Jordan Clarkson is at 1.9 per contest.

HIGHLIGHTS: The Lakers defeat the Grizzlies, 116-102, behind a season-high 17 3-pointers made and Julius Randle's triple-double #LakersWin pic.twitter.com/colZ2l2I6C
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 4, 2017

Ball movement leads to more efficient shots. In all their wins, they are averaging 23.3 assists this season. In their win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 3, they made 17-of-33 three-pointer (51.5 percent). Russell and Young made six three-pointers apiece while Randle racked up 11 assists.

The Los Angeles Lakers registered 34 assists as a team in the game, and their season-high so far is 36. The potential is there, they just need it more consistently.

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