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Heading into this season, Wesley Matthews had shot 38% or more on three corner corners for his entire career. So, during his first press conference as a member of the Lakers, I asked him how much he looked forward to LeBron James – arguably the greatest passer in NBA history – finding him for open eyes. .
“I really want to shoot the ball. So I think your answer is there. Who doesn’t want to shoot the ball? I just have to make sure I get to that spot, and I know the ball will be there, ”said Matthews. “Hopefully more often than not the other team will take them out of the net.”
After a slow start, Matthews has found his comfort zone and is keeping his preseason promise: he’s shooting 5-11 (45.4%) from the corners so far, and 39% from three overall. And now that he’s played around with James for a bit, he understands what all the hype was about.
“Brace yourself,” Matthews said when asked what to do when James looked for him, repeating “brace” a second time for emphasis. “He can see the pitch better than anyone, so always have your hands ready, be ready and hope for the pitch.
Matthews has done a good job in this area so far, and James has clearly been looking for it. No Laker has helped on more baskets from Matthews (9) than James, with Kyle Kuzma (2) not even very close.
“Wes Matthews is high time for our team, a D and 3 guy,” James said when asked why he was targeting Matthews so much. And yes, he actually said “D and 3” rather than “three and D” to describe Matthews, several times.
“When he’s running the ground or he’s on the weak side, I’m just trying to find him. When he’s got space he’s got a quick trigger, ”James said after Matthews hit four threes against the Chicago Bulls. “Tonight was just another example of him just taking down shots, but also defending at the same time.
Matthews has only played one game since then, while the Lakers are cautious with his continued Achilles pain, but his praise for James – and how clearly the star sees him as a weapon he wants. use – is remarkable, as theirs could be an important partnership for the Lakers this season as long as Matthews’ health improves. James has always found at least one shooter to look for in his career, from the remora fish to his great white shark. Matthews knows his role and has seen that staying ready for James’ assists will make it easier than ever.
“He’s going to do most of the work for you, all you have to do is step in,” Matthews said.
It’s just another reminder of how easy it is to play with James and how the Lakers have hit the league’s best record so far with a big gun still mostly in their holster. And as soon as he’s fully healthy as the Lakers take precautions with him, expect Matthews to be ready to step in and shoot.
For more Lakers talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast on itunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google podcasts. You can follow Harrison on Twitter at @hmfaigen.
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