Los Angeles Lakers: 8 early observations from 2018-19 season

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 20: the Los Angeles Lakers stand for the national anthem prior to the game against the Houston Rockets on October 20, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 20: the Los Angeles Lakers stand for the national anthem prior to the game against the Houston Rockets on October 20, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

7. Will Zubac get his shot?

Ivica Zubac has not yet been seen on the court. Luke will likely spot in the 3rd-year 7-footer against bigger centers. Perhaps he will surface in the Lakers’ 5th game against Denver and its fine center, Nikola Jokic.

8. High powered offense

Although the two players expected to best support James offensively, Ingram and Kuzma, are averaging only 14 and 13 points respectively, seven players in all are scoring in double figures, and the team has averaged 117 points in its two losses, both against 2017 playoff teams.

That is more points than any team scored last season when the Warriors led the league with 113.5 PPG. Once the team actually clicks, they will be extremely difficult to defend.

Conclusion:

Players, coaches, the front office and fans need to be patient. Four of the nine players in the rotation during the first 2 games are first-year Lakers. It will take time for all the talent to mesh together. And it will take a lot longer to make any meaningful conclusions.

All statistics courtesy of www.basketball-reference.com