Lakers’ starting backcourt is in significant shooting slump

The Lakers’ starting backcourt of Steve Nash and Steve Blake is shooting a combined 28.1% from the field.

Nash has hit just seven of 24 shots (29.2%), and Blake has converted just nine of 33 (27.3%).

With the starters in such a significant slump, it’s almost a surprise the Lakers are 2-2 through the first week of the season.

The shooting woes aren’t isolated to the backcourt. Through the team’s first three games, Nick Young started at small forward -- shooting six for 22 (27.3%).

It’s not surprising that Coach Mike D’Antoni looked to make a change before Sunday’s visit from the Atlanta Hawks, moving Xavier Henry into the starting lineup.

Through four games, Henry is averaging 14.3 points a game on 41.5% shooting from the field and 45.5% from three-point range.

Henry’s 31 free-throw attempts are almost twice as many as the next closest Laker (Pau Gasol with 17).

Reserves Jordan Farmar (43.2%) and Jodie Meeks (50%) have shot the ball relatively well this season.

Forwards Wesley Johnson and Shawne Williams are hitting just 33.3% from the field. Johnson does have a reliable three-point shot so far, with six makes in 15 tries (40%).

One of the team’s top three-point shooters by percentage is Gasol, who has converted half of his six attempts.

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.