Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players that are key to the Lakers winning the championship this season

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2018-19 season buoyed by the acquisition of the NBA’s leading player in LeBron James. However, LA's failure to add a second star quickly came back to haunt them as a combination of injuries and chemistry issues resulted in another losing season.

Evidently, LeBron’s first campaign didn’t transpire as planned, although the Lakers are once again optimistic after a summer of change. By completing a deal for Anthony Davis, the Lakers have finally added a second superstar alongside James, while the roster has also been boosted by the additions of Danny Green and Avery Bradley.

The Lakers also have a new coach in Frank Vogel, while Jason Kidd’s presence is expected to yield a positive impact. The Golden State Warriors' apparent demise has also handed the franchise a huge opportunity in the West, and an impatient fan base expects nothing less than a title.

All these factors make the 19-20 season an exciting one for the Lakers, and here we will look at three players that could be vital to Los Angeles' title aspirations.

#3 JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee returned to the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year deal

JaVale McGee started the 18-19 season in the best form of his life, although the veteran spent much of the latter part of the season in and out of Luke Walton's starting lineup. After falling out of favor, few expected the 31-year-old to return, although the Lakers handed McGee a new two-year $8.2 million deal.

McGee appeared likely to play a backup role to DeMarcus Cousins, however, Cousins' season-ending injury will propel the former Nuggets man to the starting lineup. With no reserves on the LA roster, McGee will be tasked with playing the most minutes of his career, and he must maintain focus on the defensive end.

If he fails to do so, the Lakers will be forced to move Davis to the five, something that the franchise wants to avoid at all costs.

#2 Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma is hoping to improve upon a disappointing second season

Kyle Kuzma entered the NBA in 2017 as a 22-year-old late first-round pick. Due to this, the Flint native didn't face the same scrutiny and pressure to perform as fellow Laker Lonzo Ball, and Kuzma enjoyed a memorable breakout season. However, fast forward two years and Kuzma is now among the most scrutinized players in the league.

Kuzma is the last man standing from the Lakers' much talked about young core and the power forward is coming off a season where his performances drew plenty of criticism. The 24-year-old has also been tasked with becoming the Lakers' third star alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and his impact at both ends of the court will be picked apart by the national media on a nightly basis.

It remains to be seen if Kuzma can continue to develop with the added pressure, although the Lakers' title hopes will take a major hit if the power forward fails to take his game to the next level.

#1 LeBron James

LeBron James is looking to meet expectations in his second season in Los Angeles

LeBron James' performances were as strong as ever during his first season in LA, although his absence from the playoffs has caused many analysts around the league to write him off as the NBA’s best player.

However, it is easy to forget that the Lakers were in a position to secure homecourt advantage when the All-Star suffered the worst injury of his career on Christmas Day, and LeBron’s lack of basketball in 2019 may prove to be a blessing in disguise.

The 34-year-old had little chance of winning a title with last season's squad and now enters the new season fresh and with a better supporting cast. Anthony Davis will also take plenty of responsibility on defense, and James could near a triple-double for the season.

Ultimately, the Lakers have the pieces in place to win a title, although LeBron's form will be the deciding factor.