Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Players that need to step up for the Lakers this season

The Los Angeles Lakers will enter the 2019-20 season among the favorites to take home the title, although there are still some concerns surrounding the franchise.

NBA executives are split on how well the Lakers reacted to missing out on Kawhi Leonard, while DeMarcus Cousins' potentially season-ending injury will also have a huge impact on the franchise going forward.

The lack of a dependable third star could also have serious implications, and Frank Vogel will need each member of his roster to step up.

Nevertheless, the 19-20 season will be especially big for particular individuals, and here are three members of the Lakers roster that must have significant seasons.

#3 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has yet to make much of an impact for the Los Angeles Lakers

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 draft by the Detroit Pistons and the Georgia native overcame a rough first season in the league to establish himself as one of his team's best performers.

Following the best season of his career during the 16-17 campaign, Caldwell-Pope signed a one-year, $18 million contract with the Lakers. His first season in the Purple and Gold was solid if not spectacular, averaging 13.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, although after returning last summer, Caldwell-Pope managed just 24.8 minutes per game.

Nevertheless, Luke Walton's departure proved to be beneficial, and the 26-year-old recently signed a new two year $16 million contract. After two years of failing to live up to the expectations, the Lakers will be expecting Caldwell-Pope to make a strong start to the season and the shooting guard must continue to improve his perimeter shooting.

A starting spot is unlikely, although an in-form Caldwell-Pope could ensure some excellent production from the bench.

#2 Alex Caruso

Alex Caruso made a real impact during the final months of the season

The second half of the 18-19 season was incredibly disappointing for the Los Angeles Lakers, although the emergence of Alex Caruso was a bright spark.

After struggling to find a spot in the rotation, the 25-year-old’s time with the Lakers looked to be winding down as the team limped out of postseason contention. Nevertheless, injuries to Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball provided Caruso with the minutes he desired, and the point guard produced a series of excellent performances during the final weeks of the season.

It was enough to convince the Lakers to bring him back, and Caruso could have ample opportunities on a roster lacking quality at the guard position. While unlikely to begin the season as a starter, Caruso could find himself averaging 17-20 minutes from the bench, and a series of impressive performances could see him move ahead of Rondo.

Ultimately, the point guard position is Los Angeles' biggest weakness heading into the season, and Caruso will give Frank Vogel's side an immense lift if he kicks on from his breakout season.

#1 Anthony Davis

The Los Angeles Lakers will provide Anthony Davis with the platform he deserves

Anthony Davis has yet to play a game for the Los Angeles Lakers, although many around the NBA feel that the 19-20 season is set to be the year that the former New Orleans star takes his final steps to superstardom.

On the eve of the past two seasons, Davis had been pegged as the most likely to win the MVP award, although the 26-year-old has been held back by a poor roster and a lack of visibility in New Orleans. Nevertheless, L.A. provides Davis with the platform he deserves, and the Lakers will be expecting the Chicago native to put up huge numbers alongside LeBron James.

The six-time All-Star is expected to be his team's number one offensive option, and Davis will take on added responsibility when an aging LeBron is rested throughout the regular season. The platform is set for a potentially career-defining year, and there is no reason to doubt Davis' ability to match the lofty expectations.