Shaquille O’Neal makes hilarious analogy on LA Lakers’ shooting situation - “The Lakers are gated community gangsters; They have no shooters in their community”

In an episode of the "Big Podcast with Shaq," Shaquille O'Neal made some humorous remarks regarding the LA Lakers' shooting in their opening game. O'Neal made an analogy stating that the Lakers are like a gated community of gangsters with no shooters. LA made 10 out of 40 3-point attempts in their game against the Golden State Warriors on NBA opening night.

"They are like a community where I live. They have no shooters. The Lakers are gated community gangsters. they have no shooters in their community."

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The LA Lakers now hold the worst record in 3-point shooting in NBA History

Los Angeles Lakers v Golden State Warriors

According to Yardbarker, in just two games of the 2022-23 season, the LA Lakers have the worst 3-point percentage in NBA history. It all started in their game opener against the Golden State Warriors. While it wasn't at all surprising, the fans were hoping for a slightly better outcome from LA. We've seen the work and effort the Lakers have put into their shooting over the summer.

Unfortunately, none of those mattered as the purple and gold went on to shoot only 10 out of 40 3-point attempts. It was a terrible sight to watch as the Lakers kept forcing shots from long distance. Not even their newly acquired sharpshooter Matt Ryan could help resolve their problem. According to the Los Angeles Times, LeBron James openly admitted that his team isn't composed of great shooters.

“I mean, to be completely honest, we’re not a team that’s constructed of great shooting and that’s just what the truth of the matter is,” James said. “It’s not like we’re sitting here with a lot of lasers on our team. But that doesn’t deter us from still trying to get great shots. When you get those opportunities, you take them."

It's reassuring for the LA Lakers to hear their leader say such endearing words. But no matter how many great looks they get from deep, if they can't sink it in then don't shoot it. It's understandable that today's basketball has revolved around the 3-point line, however, that doesn't mean everybody should play the same way.

Looking at their current roster, the LA Lakers are composed of great inside players. They have LeBron James, who has always been a force to be reckoned with even as a rookie back in 2003. Then there's Anthony Davis, who can easily bully his defenders in the post. Russell Westbrook may be throwing bricks, but he can easily slither his way past the defense to get an easy lay-up or slam.

If the Lakers focus more on their strengths and just tighten up their defense on outside shooters, they can surely secure some dubs. After watching their past two games against the Warriors and LA Clippers, the Lakers proved to be a great defensive team. Their starters LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, and Patrick Beverley have led the charge on defense so far.

Becoming one of the best shooting teams in the NBA won't happen overnight. The LA Lakers' best bet right now is to focus on their strengths and find ways to win with them.