D'Angelo Russell Breaks Lakers Record For Single-Season 3-Pointers, Highlighting Shift In Team's Shooting Culture

Photo: Instagram/D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell's exceptional performance this season has catapulted him to the top of Lakers' history books, surpassing Nick Van Exel for the most 3-pointers in a single season. 

However, the significance of this achievement unveils more about the Lakers' historical shooting trends than Russell's prowess alone.

Russell's remarkable shooting accuracy, averaging nearly three 3-pointers per game at a career-best 42.4%, underscores his pivotal role in the team's offense. Yet, amidst celebrations, it's crucial to recognize the broader context: the Lakers have historically lagged behind in the realm of long-range shooting.

Photo: Instagram/D'Angelo Russell

Unlike powerhouse franchises like the Warriors, whose records are dominated by sharpshooters like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Lakers have seldom relied on 3-point specialists as their offensive linchpins. With exceptions like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers' top 10 3-point shooters lack the star power characteristic of other teams.

Van Exel's era-defining record, achieved during a period of lesser 3-point prominence, further accentuates the evolving landscape of NBA shooting trends. His feat coincided with the NBA's adjustment of the 3-point line, contributing to his statistical outlier status.


However, Russell's ascent marks a potential turning point for the Lakers, signaling a shift towards modern shooting strategies. As the league witnesses an uptick in 3-point attempts, Russell's pursuit of the 200 3-pointer milestone symbolizes the team's adaptation to contemporary basketball norms.

While reaching 200 3-pointers in a season may no longer hold the same weight in today's NBA, Russell's achievement signifies a significant step for the Lakers towards embracing the evolving dynamics of the game. As the league progresses, the Lakers are poised to redefine their identity in the realm of long-range shooting, symbolized by Russell's record-breaking campaign.

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Source: CBS Sports 

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