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

With 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.

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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.

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