NBA Today: 3 Reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers are so good right now

The Los Angeles Lakers seemed destined to be among the contenders during the 2018-19 season after completing a blockbuster deal to sign LeBron James. However, LA's season quickly unraveled.

After making a solid start, James suffered the most serious injury of his career, and the Lakers eventually finished the season well outside the playoff places with a 37-45 record. The front office reacted by signing Anthony Davis during the offseason, and the Lakers have started the 2019-20 campaign in excellent form.

With a month of the new season in the books, the Lakers sit atop the Western Conference standings with a 12-2 record, and Frank Vogel's team has continued to impress with each passing game.

So, following Los Angeles' excellent start to the season, we take a look at the three reasons why they are performing so well.

#1 Anthony Davis' immediate impact

Anthony Davis has put in a number of excellent performances for the Lakers

The Lakers spent much of last season pursuing a second star, and the team were eventually made to pay for their failure to add an established superstar alongside James. Consequently, the front office moved quickly to secure Anthony Davis' signature during the summer, and the six-time All-Star has made an immediate impact in Los Angeles.

Through 13 appearances, Davis is averaging 25.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game and his impact on the defensive end has put him among the favorites for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

The 26-year-old's presence on offense also provides more space for the ball-dominant James, and the All-Star duo has already struck up an excellent partnership. Davis' summer acquisition felt huge at the time, and the former Pelicans man has proven to be the real deal through the opening month of the season.

#2 A formidable defense

Danny Green is among the new players that have strengthened the Lakers' defense this season

During the 2018-19 season, the Los Angeles Lakers' defense was among the worst in the entire NBA. The starting five contained no defensive specialist, and Luke Walton's desire to push the pace meant that the Lakers gave up 113.5 points per game.

The front office responded this summer by bringing in three excellent defensive players in Danny Green, Avery Bradley, and Anthony Davis, while LeBron James has also put in some of his best defensive performances since his days in Miami.

Through 14 games, the Lakers are holding opposing teams to just 101.1 points per game - a number only matched by the Utah Jazz. Vogel's increased emphasis on defense has also helped reduce opposing field goal accuracy to 42.7%, and while LA's excellent work on the defensive end has already been rewarded this season, it could become even more important come the playoffs.

#3 Less of a reliance on LeBron James

Dwight Howard is among the role players that have stepped up for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers' much-talked-about young core never clicked alongside LeBron James last season, while veterans such as Lance Stephenson and Tyson Chandler also struggled to make an impact. However, LA's supporting cast is now among the best in the NBA, and several role players have made already made a huge impression.

Dwight Howard, Alex Caruso, and Quinn Cook have all stepped up during their limited time on the court, and the Lakers' plus/minus is just -0.6 during the 13.4 minutes per game that LeBron has spent on the bench. This is a huge improvement compared to last season when LA quickly fell apart without their superstar on the court.

The Lakers finally have the required strength and depth to compete, and the team is firmly on course to end their wait for a title.