1. More scoring from their bench
The Lakers have ample talent on their bench, but they’ve yet to put it all together.
For the most part, they haven’t really had a bench player come in and go off for a huge offensive game.
Quinn Cook has played sparingly, and although he’s shot well at times, he hasn’t played enough to have a big game.
Troy Daniels has struggled with his shot, although lately he’s started to pick it up.
Although Alex Caruso has been adequate, he’s nowhere near the level he was playing at late last season.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been shooting very well so far, but he’s been the only one (and lately he’s been starting due to an injury to Avery Bradley).
There’s one guy on the bench who needs to pick it up big time offensively.
I’m looking at you, Kyle Kuzma!
After becoming a revelation in his first two seasons, he’s so far been underwhelming this season. Although he’s started to shoot well after a rough first few games back from a stress reaction in his foot, he’s averaging just 11.1 points a game in 23.1 minutes.
Kuzma needs to start having some big games every now and then where he goes off for at least 20 points off the bench, especially while shooting lights out from downtown. This would allow the Lakers to maintain a big lead, if not increase it when James is on the bench.
Strong offensive nights from Kuzma and the rest of the bench would also allow James to play fewer minutes, which will help keep him fresh for the playoffs and future seasons.