Mike D’Antoni Says Lakers Looking For More Athleticism This Offseason

CoachDAntoniWith the recent signings of Nick Young and Wesley Johnson, it’s apparent the Lakers are looking for added athleticism in their backcourt and on the roster as a whole. That lack of athleticism was certainly something that impacted the team a season ago, and was one of several reasons the team struggled – especially against younger, quicker teams. At NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Laker head coach Mike D’Antoni admitted that these moves were made in an attempt to counteract these deficiencies.

—–Check out the Lakers Nation store to get your LN gear and show off your Lakers pride!——

According to Drew Garrison of Silver Screen & Roll, D’Antoni emphasized athleticism when asked about the recent L.A. acquisitions.

“We tried to get more athletic to be able to run up and down a little bit,” D’Antoni said when asked about both Young and Johnson.

With all the talk regarding the D’Antoni system, and his desire to move the ball and push the pace offensively, these types of players seem to make the most sense. Young, athletic guards that can shoot and spread the floor are something the Lakers were missing a season ago, and the hope is that Young and Johnson can help counteract that a little bit.

There aren’t many spots left on the team roster, and after Young and Johnson came aboard there is even less room for more wing players. But D’Antoni and the Lakers are still looking for (cheap) options to help fill the holes in the current roster.

—————————————————————————————————————–

Did you see our videos of our exclusive interview with Kobe? If not, check out our video below and don’t forget to click here to subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

You May Also Like

Lakers Select USC’s Bronny James With 55th Pick In 2024 NBA Draft

Leading up to the 2024 NBA Draft, there was a ton of buzz surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers picking Bronny James…

Lakers News: Ivica Zubac Credits Teammates; Luke Walton Uncertain Of Potential Role Once JaVale McGee & Tyson Chandler Return

Originally the No. 32 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Ivica Zubac has seen limited minutes since a solid rookie season where he averaged 7.5 points and 4.2 rebounds. With JaVale McGee…

Lakers Nation Podcast: Big Win Over Suns, Fans Returning To Lakers Basketball

The latest episode of the Lakers Nation podcast breaks down the Los Angeles Lakers’ big win over the Phoenix Suns, which is their third in a row and brings the team to a record of four wins and three losses…

Lakers News: Knicks Guard Brandon Jennings Doesn’t Respect D’Angelo Russell

Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell made a big mistake towards the end of his rookie season, as he filmed teammate Nick Young in a hotel talking about cheating on his then fiancé, Iggy Azalea…