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Los Angeles Lakers lineup preview part 2: Tailor offense around Julius Randle

By Michael Dugger

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 7: Julius Randle NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 7: Julius Randle NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images /

Offensive Outlook

To counter the lack of a true playmaker on the court, I would run a high Clarkson-Randle screen and roll with the other three spotting up behind the 3-point line. KCP, Brewer and Kuzma aren’t close to the most accurate trio from deep on the roster, but their collective ability to attack closeouts makes it workable.

The space created by having a stretch-4 like Kuzma opens the driving lane for Randle if he receives the pass out of the screen. Randle has transformed his body this summer and always was a force attacking the rim with a head of steam. So giving him the ball at the top of the key and allowing him to make quick decisions is the best way for this offense to succeed.

Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers /

Los Angeles Lakers

I trust his passing to continue improving this season as it has throughout his first two seasons. Giving him the ball further away from the rim allows him to use his quickness to go around the big man that would be matched up with him.

This is why Kuzma’s prescence is so vital: it allows Randle to slide to the 5 and make plays for himself or others. And if they happen to switch the Clarkson-Randle pick-and-roll, then Julius will have no problem calling for the ball on the block and going to work on the smaller opponent.

Placing the ball in Clarkson’s hands quickly after defensive rebounds would be a great way to push the pace. He’s quick going coast-to-coast and would have passing options with Kuzma leaking out in transition. KCP is another player that runs the floor looking for the easy bucket, so there’s no reason Clarkson couldn’t increase his assist numbers if this group plays at a high-tempo.

Staying with KCP, I expect head coach Luke Walton to put the ball in his hands in the halfcourt to see what how far along his individual offensive game has developed. With a quick first step and impressive leaping ability, KCP should throw down some highlight dunks attacking closeouts.

I discussed what Kuzma brings to the table in-depth last week with his skill-set carrying over to this unit seamlessly. He’s the ideal big man for the modern game and will be difficult to keep off the floor if he carries his impressive NBA Summer League play over to the regular season.

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