Lakers hire Mike Penberthy as shooting coach

28 Nov 2000: Mike Penberthy #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers stretches his legs during practice before the game against the Indiana Pacers at the STAPLE Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Pacers 124-107. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs. Mandatory Credit: Robert Laberge /Allsport

The Lakers continue to add to Frank Vogel’s coaching staff, with the hire of Mike Penberthy. First reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers are hiring Penberthy as their shooting coach for the upcoming season.  Penberthy is another former Pelican to join Los Angeles for the upcoming season.

He spent the 2018-2019 season in New Orleans under the same role for a team that shot 34.4% from beyond the arc. The Lakers were ranked 29th in that regard (33%).

Wesley Johnson and Julius Randle both had career high marks from the 3 point line with New Orleans. Johnson is a smaller sample size as he only shot 1.9 attempts in 26 games (38%). Randle shot 34.4% on 2.7 attempts in 73 games (would’ve been better 4th best on the Lakers last year). One has to wonder if Penberthy worked with Randle throughout his year there. Anthony Davis shot 33% from 3, for reference.

The Central California native may be a familiar name for older Laker fans, as he was on 2001 NBA Championship team averaging 4.9 points and 1.3 assists. Penberthy was formerly dubbed “The Shot Whisperer” during his time as a coach in Minessota (2014-2015). He became a private shooting coach for players like Paul George and Khris Middleton prior to joining New Orleans.

It’s no secret that the Lakers have been prioritizing shooting and Penberthy can only help improve that facet.

Author: Kendrew

The Filipino guy

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