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Kuz has been working with a private shooting coach

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Re: Someone on the team has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#21 » by milesfides » Mon Jun 3, 2019 2:55 pm

Everybody should have a shooting coach.

Kuzma’s issue was that as a rookie he had freedom to be the alpha scorer on a team with low expectations.

This past season, he’s had to try to fit in and change his game, starting with changing his position as a small ball center, as well as being a role player on a team with Lebron, veterans, and much higher expectations.

You could tell he was uncomfortable and he was tight. He’s naturally a shooter that needs to play free. He has natural shooting talent. He is a dynamic scorer (finishing at the rim, floaters, etc.). He had to try to become a different player, both physically and mentally.

I’m not sure if it’s a mechanical problem; trying to tinker with his form might be misconstruing the problem.

He just needs to practice specific shots with his now limited role. He needs to become a fit-in Kevin Love or Chris Bosh, a JR Smith, a Kyle Korver, a Danny Green, etc.

He might be incapable of it. It’s unfortunate because his ceiling is much higher, but not on this team.
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Re: Someone on the team has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#22 » by tamaraw08 » Mon Jun 3, 2019 3:25 pm

Landsberger wrote:
LakersLegacy wrote:Kuzma chamged his shooting form 6 times last season. That’s why he went from 36% to 30%.

Hope he gets to 40%.


His biggest issue shooting from distance last year was his gather/foundation/lower body. He did have nagging lower body injuries (hip/ankle/foot) for a good part of the season as well.

I've posted the math of this before but the difference between 35% and 40% when you shoot 5-6 3's a game is about .3 more made 3 pointers a game over a full season or about 24 more total made shots. The percentage points when you shoot fewer shots don't translate as much as they do in overall FG%. Sure we all want him to be at 40% but that's pretty rare for a starter. The off the bench specialists who shoot more 3's than 2's are the guys who you must have at close to 40% because they are typically only on the roster to do that.

More than shooting 40% I'd like to see a consistent 35-38% from him instead of the streaks of 45% followed by the ones of 20%.

All of that said..... It won't make much of a difference for us as I'm pretty sure he's going to be the first one out if we make a big trade or especially so if we strike out in FA and we're desperate to make a move.

24 made 3 pt shots amount to 72 points, Kuzma played 70 games so that amounts to 1 point per game which is a factor bec it's just him,( imagine everyone hit 36.6% instead of 30-33%) IMO. Also, Lakers had a -1.7 point differential.
BTW he could actually have contributed 79.356 pts if he maintained his average of 36.6%.
And I am sorry but I just hate putting these %'s on a per game basis/effect. It's like hearing a car salesman saying "this car is not that bad over the other car even though it has 50 thousand extra miles over 5 years because it's just 27 miles extra when the former owner drove it per day as compared to the other car's owner.
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Re: Someone on the team has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#23 » by mighty_duck » Mon Jun 3, 2019 9:14 pm

Lakers were second worst in the league in both 3pt and FT % (33.3% and 69.9). Bringing those up to league median (35.2% and 77.1%) would add 0.6 PPG for 3's and a whopping 1.7 PPG for improved free throws.

Get shooting coaches for the young guys, and get veterans who can actually shoot.
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Re: Someone on the team has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#24 » by Landsberger » Tue Jun 4, 2019 2:17 am

tamaraw08 wrote:
Landsberger wrote:
LakersLegacy wrote:Kuzma chamged his shooting form 6 times last season. That’s why he went from 36% to 30%.

Hope he gets to 40%.


His biggest issue shooting from distance last year was his gather/foundation/lower body. He did have nagging lower body injuries (hip/ankle/foot) for a good part of the season as well.

I've posted the math of this before but the difference between 35% and 40% when you shoot 5-6 3's a game is about .3 more made 3 pointers a game over a full season or about 24 more total made shots. The percentage points when you shoot fewer shots don't translate as much as they do in overall FG%. Sure we all want him to be at 40% but that's pretty rare for a starter. The off the bench specialists who shoot more 3's than 2's are the guys who you must have at close to 40% because they are typically only on the roster to do that.

More than shooting 40% I'd like to see a consistent 35-38% from him instead of the streaks of 45% followed by the ones of 20%.

All of that said..... It won't make much of a difference for us as I'm pretty sure he's going to be the first one out if we make a big trade or especially so if we strike out in FA and we're desperate to make a move.

24 made 3 pt shots amount to 72 points, Kuzma played 70 games so that amounts to 1 point per game which is a factor bec it's just him,( imagine everyone hit 36.6% instead of 30-33%) IMO. Also, Lakers had a -1.7 point differential.
BTW he could actually have contributed 79.356 pts if he maintained his average of 36.6%.
And I am sorry but I just hate putting these %'s on a per game basis/effect. It's like hearing a car salesman saying "this car is not that bad over the other car even though it has 50 thousand extra miles over 5 years because it's just 27 miles extra when the former owner drove it per day as compared to the other car's owner.


First... I was using a typical 82 game schedule for my example. I used about 6 a game because that's about what he's shoots. So for my example 24 more made is for 82 games.... you'd need to adjust the numbers for the actual games played.

The math is the math and averages are averages. Understanding both helps you understand that unless you are tossing up 10-12 a game a few percentage points doesn't amount to much. I'd much rather have players who shoot over 75% from the FT line over the same guys shooting below 70% and hitting 3's at 35%. Teams can't make poor 3 point shooter shoot 3's..... but they can make poor FT shooter shoot FT's.
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Re: Someone on the team has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#25 » by Landsberger » Tue Jun 4, 2019 2:22 am

milesfides wrote:Everybody should have a shooting coach.

Kuzma’s issue was that as a rookie he had freedom to be the alpha scorer on a team with low expectations.

This past season, he’s had to try to fit in and change his game, starting with changing his position as a small ball center, as well as being a role player on a team with Lebron, veterans, and much higher expectations.

You could tell he was uncomfortable and he was tight. He’s naturally a shooter that needs to play free. He has natural shooting talent. He is a dynamic scorer (finishing at the rim, floaters, etc.). He had to try to become a different player, both physically and mentally.

I’m not sure if it’s a mechanical problem; trying to tinker with his form might be misconstruing the problem.

He just needs to practice specific shots with his now limited role. He needs to become a fit-in Kevin Love or Chris Bosh, a JR Smith, a Kyle Korver, a Danny Green, etc.

He might be incapable of it. It’s unfortunate because his ceiling is much higher, but not on this team.


Wow... did you watch any games? Kuzma was by far the best fit in player we had last year. He rarely if ever had a set play for him yet he scored and made the offense flow as good as anyone. He showed a ton of maturity out there in knowing when to push the scoring and when to pass. His offside feel for when to show and when to dive was great. Not sure how you can pick on Kuz for wanting to be an alpha.... The guy never had his own destiny offensively in his own hands. Look to the other young guys for the head down offensive flow killing stuff... not Kuz. He's got flaws for sure but not trying to fit in to the flow isn't one of them.
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Re: Someone on the team has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#26 » by milesfides » Tue Jun 4, 2019 5:48 am

You have a problem with reading comprehension.
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Re: Someone on the team has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#27 » by kblo247 » Tue Jun 4, 2019 7:57 am

milesfides wrote:You have a problem with reading comprehension.

HE doesn't. You have an agenda. Kuzma had no problem getting his shot with LeBron. LeBron had no problem letting Kuzma score next to him. Kuzma fit very well with LeBron and was more of a Jamison than a Love, which was the role Lopez shouldv't been retained for. IT was Ingram that struggled to high hell to fit, as well as KCP with their roles changed of Ingram not being a primary ball handler and KCP not having his mid range wheel routes called for him like when Bron was out to end the year. What you said was a false narrative about Kuzma's fit and role last year, his comprehension wasn't bad, your take was awful and jaded because you hate LeBron (I don't like him either but come on)
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Re: Someone on the team has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#28 » by Laker_Kid » Tue Jun 4, 2019 8:52 am

man. I hope Frank let Kuzma play freely, i think he's at his best when he plays loose.
And no more playing him as a C - i really don't understand why Luke even entertained that idea.
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Re: Someone on the team has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#29 » by tamaraw08 » Tue Jun 4, 2019 3:08 pm

Landsberger wrote:
tamaraw08 wrote:
Landsberger wrote:
His biggest issue shooting from distance last year was his gather/foundation/lower body. He did have nagging lower body injuries (hip/ankle/foot) for a good part of the season as well.

I've posted the math of this before but the difference between 35% and 40% when you shoot 5-6 3's a game is about .3 more made 3 pointers a game over a full season or about 24 more total made shots. The percentage points when you shoot fewer shots don't translate as much as they do in overall FG%. Sure we all want him to be at 40% but that's pretty rare for a starter. The off the bench specialists who shoot more 3's than 2's are the guys who you must have at close to 40% because they are typically only on the roster to do that.

More than shooting 40% I'd like to see a consistent 35-38% from him instead of the streaks of 45% followed by the ones of 20%.

All of that said..... It won't make much of a difference for us as I'm pretty sure he's going to be the first one out if we make a big trade or especially so if we strike out in FA and we're desperate to make a move.

24 made 3 pt shots amount to 72 points, Kuzma played 70 games so that amounts to 1 point per game which is a factor bec it's just him,( imagine everyone hit 36.6% instead of 30-33%) IMO. Also, Lakers had a -1.7 point differential.
BTW he could actually have contributed 79.356 pts if he maintained his average of 36.6%.
And I am sorry but I just hate putting these %'s on a per game basis/effect. It's like hearing a car salesman saying "this car is not that bad over the other car even though it has 50 thousand extra miles over 5 years because it's just 27 miles extra when the former owner drove it per day as compared to the other car's owner.


First... I was using a typical 82 game schedule for my example. I used about 6 a game because that's about what he's shoots. So for my example 24 more made is for 82 games.... you'd need to adjust the numbers for the actual games played.

The math is the math and averages are averages. Understanding both helps you understand that unless you are tossing up 10-12 a game a few percentage points doesn't amount to much. I'd much rather have players who shoot over 75% from the FT line over the same guys shooting below 70% and hitting 3's at 35%. Teams can't make poor 3 point shooter shoot 3's..... but they can make poor FT shooter shoot FT's.

Yes, hitting your FT's is very vital to team's success too but IMO, the opposing defense are mostly set up differently if the 3pt shooters are averaging 30% and not 38%. It's not just Lonzo Ball,Rondo, etc barely missing some 3pt shots, they were actually bricking wide open shots and mostly being dared to take them a lot while the other team forming a wall to limit layups and FTs.
I believe only Utah and OKC are the only ones who were in the bottom 10 in 3pt shooting that qualified for the playoffs and they got bounced around early.
There's a reason why Klay esp Curry get to attack the basket more than a Rubio and Ball and why a slow footed guy like Zubac seemed good "defending" Draymond Green on Christmas day. Again, IMO teams defense are geared mostly on the average % of opposing team's main players.
If Kuzma, Ball etc were averaging 37% and not 30%, his defender would stick closer to him leaving the lanes a little bit more open to driving lanes and/or posting up.
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Re: Someone on the team has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#30 » by tamaraw08 » Tue Jun 4, 2019 3:14 pm

kblo247 wrote:
milesfides wrote:You have a problem with reading comprehension.

HE doesn't. You have an agenda. Kuzma had no problem getting his shot with LeBron. LeBron had no problem letting Kuzma score next to him. Kuzma fit very well with LeBron and was more of a Jamison than a Love, which was the role Lopez shouldv't been retained for. IT was Ingram that struggled to high hell to fit, as well as KCP with their roles changed of Ingram not being a primary ball handler and KCP not having his mid range wheel routes called for him like when Bron was out to end the year. What you said was a false narrative about Kuzma's fit and role last year, his comprehension wasn't bad, your take was awful and jaded because you hate LeBron (I don't like him either but come on)

I would trade Lebron for younger superstars too but it's not going to happen. Frankly I don't understand that real hatred over a 34 yr old guy who put up 27/8/8 this past season. No I don't think he should be treated as a god and yes, it's not like he sacrificed to be here bec he truly loves the Lakers etc but he is here and he will be here for the next 2-3 years.He is no Kobe but Kuzma despite the shooting woes thrived next to him, same with McGee and he tried to set up other guys but they couldn't deliver.
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Re: Kuz has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#31 » by dockingsched » Thu Jul 4, 2019 4:39 am

Looks like Kuz might’ve revamped his jump shot over the summer

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Re: Kuz has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#32 » by dockingsched » Thu Jul 4, 2019 4:48 am

"We must try not to sink beneath our anguish, Harry, but battle on." - Dumbledore
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Re: Kuz has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#33 » by kblo247 » Thu Jul 4, 2019 6:56 am

SG/SF I tell ya. He spent his summer working with Kobe at Mamba Academy and Metta on D too. He may be labled the 4 because Bron has that Ducan/KG don't call me a C phobia about being called a 4, but he's the wing
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Re: Kuz has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#34 » by Landsberger » Thu Jul 4, 2019 7:08 pm

He’s putting in the time.... we may need him to play a larger role is we are jilted at the alter....
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Re: Kuz has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#35 » by LAKESHOW » Thu Jul 4, 2019 7:35 pm

Hes still 700 shots a day short. Kobe said he did 1000 makes daily. Kuz needs to hit that with his eyes closed.
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Re: Kuz has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#36 » by iamworthy » Thu Jul 4, 2019 11:35 pm

So this is his second time he's changed his shot?
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Re: Kuz has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#37 » by NBAWestFan » Fri Jul 5, 2019 7:55 pm

Yes all Players can afford a shooting coach and should be working on it.

What about a defensive coach?
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Re: Kuz has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#38 » by Beethoven » Fri Jul 5, 2019 8:18 pm

I like Kuzma's style and work philosophy. He's so GenX even though he is a millenial brat.
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Re: Kuz has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#39 » by milesfides » Fri Jul 5, 2019 9:09 pm

37% from three, 38% on catch-and-shoot threes. Rookie season.

You'd think that playing next to Lebron and veterans would have helped him, but you'd be wrong. He missed a ton of open threes last season, at the worst rate in the league.

There's definitely some sort of mental weakness in Kuzma - is it the pressure of raised expectations? Is it trying to fit into a new role? Is it the changing lineups? Is it really his shot mechanics? Is it not working hard enough? Is it over training?

Who knows. But yeah, he shot well enough his rookie season. The only major difference I've seen? Play loose and free. His talent shrinks when he plays tight.
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Re: Kuz has been working with a private shooting coach 

Post#40 » by stan francisco » Sat Jul 6, 2019 12:09 am

Kuzma had nagging injuries last season and also all other starters were injured quite a bit. He played while having little to no lift on his jumper due to injuries.

Eye test tells me he’s a killer and he cuts so well off the ball, can score down low, or from way beyond the three. He’ll be a volume scorer with all the open looks afforded him by LBJ and AD. Add KL and it’s over.
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