Five Things the Lakers Must Do to Make a Playoff Run This Season

Jan 27, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) blocks a shot taken by Toronto Raptors forward Amir Johnson (15) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Toronto defeats Indiana 104-91. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

2. Roy Hibbert Must Dominate on Defense

One of the main reasons the Lakers have failed so miserably in recent years is their porous defense. It has ranked near the bottom of the league in nearly every statistical category, and no defensive shortcoming has been more obvious than the lack of rim protection.

At times, it looked like other teams were conducting a lay-up clinic. For their record to improve, the Lakers have to improve immensely on the defensive end.

They don’t have to be the best defensive team in the league, but the Lakers can’t live near the bottom like they’ve grown accustom to. It starts with consistently protecting the paint.

Enter Roy Hibbert, who has a body (7′ 2″, 270 lbs) that takes up a lot of space. It wasn’t long ago he was considered one of the best defensive players in the game.

He is only 28 years old and is apparently in the best shape of his career. If Hibbert can clog the lane and stop other teams from scoring easy baskets at the rim, the Lakers should be vastly improved.

In a recent interview, Jim Buss lumped Hibbert with D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Randle as key, core players for the team’s future.

When Hibbert was acquired many presumed he was temporary, that he would be in Los Angeles for just the duration of the season, but Buss doesn’t feel that way.

If he returns to his previous form, Hibbert is young enough to be an important part of the Lakers future. In a contract year, Hibbert has too many monetary reasons not to give his maximum effort.

Next: The Ball Needs To Move On Offense