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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 key questions entering the NBA Finals

By Jacob Zinkula

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

What Can Be Gleaned From Regular Season Matchups?

The Los Angeles Lakers were 2-0 against the Heat in the regular season, securing a 95-80 home win on November 8th and a 113-110 road victory on December 13th. Clearly, a lot has changed (and plenty of time has passed) since these games, but they can still offer some insight into the forthcoming matchup.

Key Changes: Meyers Leonard and Kendrick Nunn started both games for the Heat. Leonard isn’t seeing any playing time now, and Nunn has struggled in 11.9 minutes per game this postseason. Neither Jae Crowder nor Andre Igoudala were on the roster yet for either matchup. For the Lakers, Avery Bradley saw significant playing time in both games and Markieff Morris didn’t join the team until February.

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Summary: 11/8 home win (95-80)

  • Both LeBron and Davis led the way. LeBron posted a 25-4-6 (three turnovers) on 10-of-19 shooting, while Davis added 26-8-7 (two turnovers) on 11-of-17 from the field.
  • Miami went 6-of-35 (17.1 percent) from three, while Los Angeles went 8-of-32 (25.0 percent). Miami went 18-of-24 from the line while Los Angeles shot 7-of-8.

Summary: 12/13 road win (113-110)

  • Miami was 11-0 at home entering the game, finishing 29-7 on the season (15-22 on the road).
  • Both LeBron and Davis had a lot of success again. LeBron recorded a 28-9-12 on 11-of-22 shooting (although had eight turnovers – tied for a season high). Davis posted a 33-10-1 with one turnover.
  • The Heat shot 10-of-33 (30.3 percent) from downtown, while the Lakers made 12-of-37 (32.4 percent). Miami went 22-of-28 from the foul line while Los Angeles made 15-of-23.

Takeaways: Free Throws

  • Miami got to the line plenty against Los Angeles, and this was far from a fluke. The Heat ranked first in free throw attempt rate in the regular season (25.2 per game) and have taken this to another level in the playoffs with a mark of 27.6. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo have been the primary drivers, averaging 9.2 and 6.1 attempts respectively this postseason.
  • The Lakers ranked sixth in the regular season and third this postseason in free throw rate, and neither team was particularly adept at keeping teams off the line in the regular season. But although a free throw contest is still possible, Miami has limited free throws at the eighth-best rate in the playoffs, while Los Angeles has ranked 15th among 16 teams. Suffice to say, keeping the Heat off the line could be a major issue for the Lakers.

Takeaways: 3-Point Shooting

  • While Miami was fairly cold from downtown in the two regular season matchups, the Heat have fared much better in the postseason. Not only has Miami upped its 3-point attempt rate from 41.9 percent to 44.4 percent, but it’s hit 35.7 percent from downtown.
  • The Lakers didn’t shoot well from three in either game either and have been less reliant from downtown over the entire season. The offense’s 35.8 percent attempt rate has ticked up to 38.2 percent in the playoffs, and the team has shot 35.5 percent from long-range. While this 3-point percentage is comparable to Miami’s, the Heat’s significantly higher attempt rate gives them the edge from beyond the arc.
  • Threes and free throw attempts are some of the most efficient shots in basketball if made at respectable rates. If Miami has an advantage in both of these areas, this will certainly be an obstacle for the Lakers to overcome.
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