Turnovers Lead to Offensive Struggles

The emphasis by officials cracking down on traveling violations this season, and, to a lesser extent, carrying the ball over, has already taken a toll on the Lakers, who didn’t need another reminder that their offense is struggling early in the season.

In the opener last Friday, they committed 23 turnovers, which led to 30 points for the Phoenix Suns. Sunday, 22 turnovers became 25 points for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and six of those errors were traveling, by five players.

Coach Del Harris is quick to point out the Lakers had a horrible assist-to-turnover ratio the entire first month last season, then recovered to finish tied with the Orlando Magic for No. 1 in the league in that category. In the meantime, they lost backup point guard Sedale Threatt, who was fourth among all individuals, but Nick Van Exel, who was ninth, is back.

The blame for the problems, which also includes failing to break triple digits in either of the first two games, is mostly being put on the obvious: Seven new players.

“Any time you have so many new faces, it is a matter of time before you get to know each other like the back of your hand,” Byron Scott said. “It’s just a matter of time. Some of the turnovers are careless mistakes, but some are just a matter of getting to know each other.”

Said Harris: “I really don’t know. It could be that. Who knows? All I ever know is that every team I’ve had has been low in turnovers when the season ends.”