3 questions for LA Lakers entering opening night of the 2021-22 NBA season

#2 How will Frank Vogel deploy his ranged shooters

Russell Westbrook (left) with LeBron James (right) LA Lakers vs Nets preseason game

When the LA Lakers signed Russell Westbrook, one major concern that haunted the team's fans was the lack of shooting depth available on the team's roster. However, the front office, Vogel and LeBron James have found a few players that may be able to fill this void.

Wayne Ellington is undoubtedly the best downtown shooter on the LA Lakers squad. By converting 2.5 of his 6 attempts per game in 2020-21, he managed to maintain a 42.2% success rate from beyond the three-point line. Kendrick Nunn, Malik Monk and Carmelo Anthony are almost at the same level from beyond-the-arc, with each managing more or less two three-pointers per game in 2020-21.

However, the issue lies in finding ways to properly rotate these four players with the likes of LBJ, Russ and AD comprising the main attacking force. Vogel was unable to properly use Kyle Kuzma for the past few seasons despite Kuzma being a decent three-point shooter.

The LA Lakers' head coach will need to deploy his ranged shooter appropriately to face off against the Golden State Warriors on October 19th. For James, Anthony Davis and Westbrook to have ample opportunity to attack the paint, their squad will need to create an impactful threat from downtown to stretch the Warriors defense and that will only be possible with the efficient usage of Melo, Monk, Nunn and Elington.

#3 Who will control LA Lakers' offensive reigns

The LA Lakers now have two of the best playmakers in the league in Brodie and King James. Of course this translates to better feeding and scoring options but it also paves the way for a power struggle inside the team.

Both LeBron and Westbrook have played as primary ball handlers on their teams over the past few seasons and are habitual of commanding the game and setting the offense. With them being in the same squad, the question of who carries on as the primary playmaker in the upcoming game against the Warriors is raised.

We believe Vogel understands that even though Westbrook is an exceptional feeder and registers double digit dimes regularly, LeBron is obviously a better playmaker.

He will let James take on the LA Lakers' offensive reign during the game on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, Westbrook will be given more scoring and rebounding responsibilities and used as the primary handler only when James is not on the court.