NBA 2018-19: Los Angeles Lakers vs Indiana Pacers: Key factors to consider

The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Indiana Pacers at the Staples Center. The Lakers who currently sit at the 7th spot in the Western Conference standings hold a 11-9 record this season. The Pacers are going strong and are 4th in the East with a 13-8 record.

The Lakers have struggled in their last two games. They are on a mini 2 game losing streak. On the other hand, the Pacers have opened the West Coast trip by winning their first two games.

The Lakers will be looking to establish their authority in the game against the Pacers. They need to win this game to bring back the momentum and again start their quest for the Western Conference Championship this season. Here are the top three key factors to consider that will determine the result of the match.

#3 Turnovers control and free throw shooting for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have been really erratic in the recent games. They finished the game against the Utah Jazz with 24 turnovers. Then against Orlando Magic, they again finished with 18 turnovers. These turnovers are dearly costing the Lakers as they are not able to assert themselves in the match.

The Lakers struggle from the free throw line is well known at this point of the season. They are a bottom five side in the league when it comes to shooting from the line. None of their starters is averaging more than 75% from the FT line. The Lakers need to improve from the charity stripe as these easy points determine a lot of tightly contested matches.

If the Lakers cut down on turnovers and manage to shoot a healthy percentage from the FT line then they will be in a great spot to come out on top against the Pacers.

#2 Defense and ball movement of the Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers are one of the top rated defensive teams in the league. They are second in the league in points allowed per game and are 3rd in steals. The Indiana Pacers play good defense as a team and they have made it difficult for the opposition teams to break open their defense.

Indiana Pacers have been moving the ball really well in the recent games. The injury to Victor Oladipo has made them cut down on isolation plays and they have focused more on moving the basketball. This has resulted in them amassing 30 or more assists in three out of the last four games.

The Pacers don't have the personnel on paper to match the Lakers but they play great as a team and that will be crucial in getting them to a victory.

#1 Display of LeBron James

LeBron James is having another MVP season

Even at age 33, LeBron James never ceases to amaze. He is still the best player in the world and he impacts the match both on and off the court.

It is no coincidence that Lakers last two victories came on the back of two very mediocre nights for King James. LeBron James is averaging 27.6 PPG, 7.9 Rebounds and 6.7 assists per game for the season on 51.4% shooting from the field.

In this very young season, he has already put the team on his back for victories in some of the matches. He had a 44 points,10 rebounds and 9 assists performance against the Blazers and also had a 51 point night on his return to the Miami Heat.

LeBron James will again carry the responsibility of the team. If he gets locked in, then there is simply no stopping the Lakers.