The 3 common factors of every Los Angeles Lakers win

3. The Los Angeles Lakers actually put in the effort

Perhaps the biggest problem with the Los Angeles Lakers is not that they made the awful trade for Russell Westbrook that handcuffed the team with a bad fit (although that has not helped at all). The lack of effort from the Lakers have arguably led to more losses than anything else.

This is a Lakers team that has been on cruise control for most of the season. Everyone outside of LeBron, even Anthony Davis, really has not seemed to have a care in the world about the results of this season.

There has been this weird confidence with the team. A weird ego that the Lakers have despite not having any reason to be confident. Time and time again we have seen a serious lack of effort on both ends of the floor and when things get tough in games the Lakers have just given up.

After the game, we hear quotes from countless veterans about the results not mattering and the team not panicking and Westbrook himself even saying he had no expectations for this season. It has been frustrating to watch.

Something has changed in that locker room over the last three games as there has been a noticeable change in effort on the team. Westbrook and co. did not hang their heads and give up when backed against the wall against the Raptors. The team did not shell up when the Cleveland Cavaliers went on an early big run.

I am not saying that the Lakers are a title-winning team if they simply try. But if the Lakers were to actually put in a full effort including on the defensive side of the basketball, then they are a much tougher team to play than their record indicates.