Los Angeles Lakers legend Robert Horry said on June 1 that he does not support the use of analytics in basketball, especially during the postseason. Speaking on ESPN LA, Horry described himself as an ‘old school guy’ and questioned the relevance of analytics when teams are able to focus on a single opponent over multiple games.
“I’m an old school guy. I think if everybody look at what Kenny Atkinson said, they should throw analytics out the window,” Horry said. “Because analytics only happens for 82 [games], analytics does not happen in the playoffs because you get a chance to lock in on a team for four games, five games, six games, whatever it may be. So, analytics need to be tossed out the window because I know how to stop your favorite play.”
Horry went on to say that regular season statistics do not account for playoff scenarios where teams can prepare specifically for each other: “It ain’t just one night when I’m coming off a back-to-back or I’m coming off a team who just came off playing someone I don’t really care about because think about how many times teams lose to teams that you’re like, ‘There’s no way in the world they should have lost to that team.’ So, analytics only counts for 82 [games], the analytics should never be applied in the playoffs, no, because I’m locked in on you for four games, maybe four or more games.”
He also criticized reliance on data-driven decision making and suggested it has changed player attitudes: “I don’t trust analytics and analytics is just a way for some nerd to get a job that he could never play a sport. It’s everywhere, man… You got to make someone want to fight to be better. Now if you kick my butt…I’m going to go analyze what you did…Nowadays…I’m just going to move around because I’m uncomfortable and you got to be comfortable being uncomfortable and work out of that situation.”
The Lakers have recently expanded their front office operations with an increased focus on statistics as part of efforts by head coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka.
Luka Doncic also spoke about his priorities after his first full season with Los Angeles Lakers, saying winning a championship is now most important.