The Los Angeles Lakers have built a competitive roster for the upcoming season, yet concerns linger over their ability to contend for a championship due to notable weaknesses. Recently acquired Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, adds defensive prowess; however, his impact alone may not suffice to transform their defense into a top-tier unit. More pressing is the Lakers' need for improved 3-point shooting. Last season, they ranked 14th in shooting percentage and 19th in attempts, which is insufficient for a title run.

While stars like Luka Dončić and LeBron James have shown the ability to shoot effectively from beyond the arc, the Lakers lack complementary shooters. New addition Jake LaRavia showcased a promising 42.3% from 3-point range last season, yet the team needs more reliable options. Rui Hachimura's solid shooting performance (41.3%) is encouraging, but inconsistent players like Dalton Knecht raise concerns. If Coach JJ Redick aims to establish a high-volume shooting offense, the Lakers must find additional sharpshooters to prevent defensive schemes from collapsing on their stars.