NBA 2018-19: 3 Key takeaways from the Los Angeles Lakers' performance so far

Win-loss record: 20-15 (5th in West)

After acquiring LeBron James in the offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers did not get the kind of start they would have liked as they went 3-5 to start the season. However, things began to change later and they are currently at the fifth spot in the Western Conference standings.

While the Lakers are expected to reach the playoffs this season, it will be interesting to see how deep they go in the playoffs this season. With a five-year playoff drought expected to come to an end, the Lakers fans must be really happy. In this article, let us take a look at three key takeaways from the Los Angeles Lakers' performance so far this season.

#3 Kyle Kuzma continues to shine in the NBA

Kyle Kuzma has been phenomenal this season for the Lakers

Stats: 18.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists on 48.2 % shooting

Looking at the way Kyle Kuzma has been playing in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers should definitely be thanking the basketball gods and the Brooklyn Nets for sending them their first-round draft pick that eventually became Kuzma.

After surprising the entire NBA universe with his performance last season, Kuzma continues to shine in the NBA as he is currently the team's second most reliable scorer behind LeBron James and his career graph is only headed upwards.

The power forward became a regular starter for the franchise and is currently having a breakout season averaging 18.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game on mind-boggling 48.2 % shooting.

Things are only expected to get better for Kuzma and the Lakers and the franchise should definitely include him in their long-term plans. Kuzma's highest-scoring game this season came against the San Antonio Spurs in a one-point loss. He scored 37 points on red-hot 60.0 % shooting but the Lakers suffered a heart-breaking defeat.

#2 JaVale McGee is having one of his career-best seasons

Javale McGee is enjoying a great season with the Lakers — Javale

Stats: 11.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks on 62.6 % shooting

After two productive seasons with the Golden State Warriors en route to his two Championship rings, JaVale McGee agreed on a one-year, veteran minimum deal with the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency.

Playing alongside LeBron James, McGee is looking completely different and the veteran is having one of the best seasons of his entire playing career. He has turned back the clock and is having almost the kind of year he has had in Washington in 2011-12.

Starting at Center position for the Lakers, he has been exceptional for the team and is one of the key reasons why the Lakers have been so successful this year. McGee has been brilliant catching the lob passes from James, Rondo and Ball all this season long. He is also averaging career-high 2.6 blocks per game and is posing serious threat to opposition players in the paint.

#1 LeBron James is still the best player in the league

LeBron James is not showing any signs of slowing down

Stats: 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.3 steals per game on 51.8 % shooting

One thing is for sure. A team with LeBron James on it can never be taken lightly. The Los Angeles Lakers' last playoffs appearance was in 2013 when they lost in the first round of the playoffs. After five straight seasons without making it to the postseason, the Lakers are currently at the fifth spot in West and are expected to make it to the playoffs.

This turn of events has been sparked because of one man and that is LeBron James. Playing in his 16th season, LeBron is not showing any signs of slowing down and is having one of his best seasons of all-time averaging legendary numbers.

The Lakers had a bad start to the season and even though the King did his part, it took some time for them to achieve success as a team. Looking at how the things are unfolding in Los Angeles, it is safe to say that James is still the best player in the league.