Los Angeles Lakers: 4 Biggest factors to make the playoffs

2. Player Health

Every team has injuries, but it seems like the Lakers had more than most. Because the team added so many new faces this year, they couldn’t just rely on their collective past experience. They needed time on the court together to reach their potential as a team, and that just hasn’t happened so far.

LeBron James, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Rajon Rondo have all missed double-digit games already this season. Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and JaVale McGee have all been slowed by injury or illness.

Ingram, Kuzma and McGee all are at full strength now, as both James and Rondo should be once action resumes after the break. Ball and Hart are expected back soon. They are two of the team’s better defensive players and have been sorely missed.

IF the Lakers avoid any other substantial injuries, and IF the players are ready to step into the roles that serve the team best, then LA may be in good position to make a strong push the final 30% of the season. Of course, those are two big ifs.