After winning the in-season tournament, the Los Angeles Lakers were supposed to be a favorite for this year’s NBA championship. But since then, things have not gone their way. The team has lost 10 of its 13 matches since lifting the trophy. This has now made people wonder if the chances of LeBron James winning his fifth championship have ended with the Lakers. But a former member of the Lakers has not given up hope. Lamar Odom recently shared what he thinks the team should do to get back to championship level.
Having played under Phil Jackson during his Lakers championship runs in the late 2000s, Odom calls for the Triangle to be reinstated, as he wrote on Twitter, “There is only 1 way to fix the Lakers… RUN THE TRIANGLE!!!!“
There is only 1 way to fix the Lakers… RUN THE TRIANGLE!!!! https://t.co/C169qUDtPR
— LAMAR ODOM (@LamarOdom) January 6, 2024
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This started after the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent loss against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies made a combined 23 three-pointers, which was a season-high for them. Although many of them were tough and contested shots, the Grizzlies as a team were on fire from the deep. This led to Odom finally intervening, and he is now hoping for the Lakers to make a change.
The triangle defense is usually a setup between a center, a guard, and a wing on the court. The offensive scheme that runs through it can give the players more options to move around while opening up better looks. It was utilized to the fullest by Phil Jackson while he coached the Bulls in the 1990s and the Lakers in the 2000s.
Currently, nothing seems to be working for the Lakers. The game plan being employed by head coach Davin Ham is receiving criticism. Furthermore, reports have emerged that the team is discontent with Ham’s decisions. There is still time for the Lakers to change things before their fate is decided. Although the Triangle offense is a good option to find more looks for the team, there are many reasons why the team won’t be following it.
This is not the first time Lamar Odom has given this advice
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In 2022, Lamar Odom wanted the Los Angeles Lakers to incorporate this piece from the past. He wanted the team to bring in Phil Jackson as the head coach. He mentioned the Triangle offense at that time as well. Odom further added that Jackson would be the right fit, as he would be able to coach LeBron James to play in the Triangle.
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Although the Lakers have a great center in Anthony Davis, who can move the ball around, it is hard to incorporate LeBron James into the triangle offense as he is extremely ball-dominant. One of LeBron James’ strengths is his ability to bring the ball down the court and find the open man after pulling in the defense. But with the Triangle, he would have to play more off-ball. This would be a major change from how he has been used over the past two decades.
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In the past season, LeBron James has been seen playing off-ball. He let players like Austin Reeves take control of the game every now and then. But as the Lakers are currently struggling to find a footing, it would be unusual to think that the team won’t be making some changes within itself.
What do you think of Lamar Odom’s suggestion for the Lakers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.