NBA 2018/19: 3 things that we have learned from the Lakers season so far

While the Lakers 18/19 season has not been perfect, there is no doubting that the franchise is having their best campaign in over half a decade. Since winning the NBA Finals during the 2009/10 season, the Lakers have reached the playoffs just three times. Between 2014 and 2017, the team finished no higher than 14th, and last season, a promising young Lakers team finished with a disappointing record of 35-47.

The team finally managed to sign a superstar in LeBron James this summer, and the 33-year-old's arrival has managed to quickly propel the Lakers back into playoff contention. The Lakers are currently 5th in the Western Conference standings, with an impressive record of 16-10, and there is now genuine belief among the fanbase that the team will soon return to their former glory.

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#3 LeBron shows no signs of slowing down

LeBron' has quickly transformed the Los Angeles Lakers into playoff contenders

Despite turning 34 later this month, LeBron James remains the NBA's best player. There was concern that the 3-time NBA Champion would soon slow down, although LeBron's stats are as good as ever this season.

The Lakers man is currently averaging 28.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and after a rough start to the season, James is now shooting .362 from behind the arc. LeBron has also produced a number of stand-out performances, such as the 51 points in Miami, and last week's 42 points against the San Antonio Spurs.

The 14-time All-Star is currently signed to a four-year deal with the Lakers and James has suggested that he could play even longer, due to his desire to play with his son. Right now, it looks as though LeBron is in a position to remain as the NBA's best player for at least another few years, so the Lakers need to put him in a position to win.

#2 Mixed performances from the young core

Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram have been linked with a trade

Despite the Lakers having opportunities to trade for Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, Magic Johnson has been reluctant to give up the Lakers young core. The franchise believes that the young members of the roster will eventually develop into stars, although the performances have been mixed this season.

Josh Hart has been the best performer so far, as the 30th pick of the 2017 draft is currently adding energy and points from the bench. Kyle Kuzma has also stepped up in recent weeks, averaging an impressive 20 points-per-game over his last seven matches.

Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram have once again put in mixed performances, and both players been linked with a trade away from the Lakers over the last few weeks. Ultimately, the Lakers will expect more from Ball and Ingram, as these are the two youngsters that were high picks, and were considered to have the most potential.

#1 They need more help

Carmelo Anthony is being linked with a move to the Los Angeles Lakers

The addition of LeBron James has resulted in the Los Angeles Lakers being in a position to make the playoffs, although it is debatable if the current team can actually compete in the playoffs. Over the summer, Magic Johnson stated that he had built a Lakers team that could compete in the postseason, although a vastly inexperienced team led by LeBron James will struggle to dethrone the dominant Warriors.

The Lakers have been linked with the likes of Anthony Davis, Kemba Walker, and Bradley Beal, however, it looks as though the team will have to wait until the summer to sign one of these All-Stars. A report emerged last week that LeBron James wants the team to pick up Carmelo Anthony, and while he would offer points and experience from the bench, the Lakers may ultimately fall short this season unless they get a second All-Star.