Lakers' win over Wizards proves they don't need elite perimeter shooting

In the three-point-heavy world of NBA basketball in 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers are thriving by going for twos.

The Lakers shot 73.1 percent from two-point range in their 142-111 win over the Washington Wizards, taking a 29-point halftime lead and running away with the game. Luka Doncic notched a triple-double in the first half and finished with 37 points in 31 minutes.

The Los Angeles Lakers excel close to the basket

Both Doncic and LeBron James excel at getting the shots they want and knocking them down, even if neither is a great three-point shooter. Doncic is shooting 34.7 percent from deep and James is at 32.1 percent.

But both are great at getting easy shots, either for their teammates or just each other. James takes over half his shots within 10 feet of the basket and shoots 57.4 percent on his two-pointers. Doncic shoots 86.4 percent on shots within three feet of the basket, and 58 percent from three and 10 feet.

Doncic is 10th in the NBA with 14.7 drives to the basket each game, while Austin Reaves drives 12.7 times. That's a big reason why the two of them combine for 20 free throw attempts per game.