The average salary is 6 million per year! The three-point rate is 50%. Look, this is the shooter the Lakers need.

So far in the 25-26 season, Royce O'Neal and Grayson Allen have averaged 3.8 and 3.4 three-pointers per game respectively, ranking 8th and 10th in the league.

Considering that the Suns intend to trade the two of them this summer, it is still possible for the Lakers to get them, but Pelinka has not made a move.

What does the three-pointer mean to the Lakers?

On the big side, 35.9% of the Lakers' overall shots came from outside the three-point line. Obviously, like the Warriors, Celtics, Clippers and other shooting teams, this is the main finishing method.

On the small side, at this stage, only Rui Hachimura and Laravia have a three-point rate of over 40% in the Lakers team.

In other words, although three-pointers are the Lakers' main finishing method, there are not many reliable shooters in the team. Speaking of which, let’s look at a set of data:

1, 1 of 2 three-pointers against the Warriors;

2, 1 of 2 three-pointers against the Timberwolves;

3, 2 of 5 three-pointers against the Kings;

4, 0 of 3 three-pointers against the Trail Blazers;

5, 5 of 6 three-pointers against the Timberwolves.

In fact, except against the Trail Blazers, Laravia's three-point percentage in the remaining games was no less than 40%. Based on this, Laravia's three-point rate since joining the Lakers is as high as 50% (9 of 18 shots). In my opinion, this is the pitcher the Lakers need.

Immediate combat power

Laravia has taken a total of 769 shots in his NBA career so far, 387 of which came from outside the three-point line, with a shooting rate of 37.7%. In fact, regardless of the Lakers period, the three-point rate during the Grizzlies and Kings periods was no less than 37%.

We can understand Laravia's three-pointers as follows:

1. The offensive end is mainly focused on three-pointers and the efficiency is close to the elite level;

2. The three-pointers have good compatibility, and to be precise, they can be stably output under different offensive systems.

Position

Laravia, who is 203cm tall and weighs 106kg, is more like the fourth position in a small lineup like Finney Smith and Aaron Gordon. In fact, 49% of the 2,711 minutes played in his NBA career so far have been played at the fourth position.

Although compared to the fourth position like Antetokounmpo and Evan Mobley, they suffer in size, but their shooting ability can better contain and open up the offensive space. Just like space-based insiders like Lopez and Towns.

Contract

Laravia and the Lakers reached a two-year, 12 million contract this summer, with an average salary of 6 million per year. Looking at the current situation, it is basically only slightly higher than the basic salary. To take a step back, even if the performance is not as good as expected or there is a lack of adaptability, it will not have a big impact on the team's subsequent salary space.

The problem is that at least currently Laravia's performance far exceeds the average salary of 6 million, which is potentially cost-effective.

To sum up, the reason why Laravia is the shooter the Lakers need mainly reflects three points:

1. Three-pointers mean good combat ability;

2. He mainly plays the fourth position and has space attributes;

3. The contract is relatively small.

Relatively speaking, I think the first and second points are the main reasons.

First of all, both Doncic and Reeves mainly finish inside. So if you want to ensure efficiency while reducing the occurrence of injuries, you need to expand the offensive space enough, and Laravia can play a role in opening up the space.

Secondly, Knecter’s three-point rate is less than 20% and Hachimura’s characteristic is mid-range shooting. So at this stage, the only three-pointer that the Lakers role players can rely on is Laravia.

Finally, considering that Laravia's annual salary is only 6 million, the Lakers' signing is very cost-effective.