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Los Angeles Lakers: 4 biggest goals for 2018-19 season

By Ed Schrenzel

EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: The Los Angeles Lakers huddle up during practice at UCLA Health Training Center on September 25, 2018 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: The Los Angeles Lakers huddle up during practice at UCLA Health Training Center on September 25, 2018 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
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2. Improve the Defense

This Lakers team should have no trouble scoring points this season. Consider this:
• James, Ingram and Kuzma should all average close to or over 20 points a game.
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Hart, who will share minutes at shooting guard, each averaged double-figure points last year.
• Michael Beasley should provide instant offense off the bench.
• Ball averaged 10 points per game last season while shooting poorly. He should only get better.

Last season, the Lakers averaged 108.1 points per game, 11th in the NBA. There is every reason to expect them to surpass that this year and become one of the league’s top-scoring teams.

But the Lakers surrendered 109.6 points per game last year, ranking them 25th in the league. The Lakers front office had that in mind when they signed tough, defense-oriented players Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson and JaVale McGee, and re-signed KCP.

It is not only what these players can contribute defensively while on the court. It is also a mentality that they will pass along to their teammates. Kuzma, for one, has repeatedly said that becoming a better defensive player is a key goal for him personally this year. Beasley, who is known as a first-rate scorer, wants to show that he can also be a strong defender.

There are times when the Lakers will simply out-score their opponents. When Walton turns to a small-ball lineup, it will be extremely tough to guard them, but that same unit will likely give up baskets at the rim.

But if the Lakers can play better man and team defense this season, and can lock-down the opposition for periods of time, that should result in more victories.

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