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Los Angeles Lakers: Players entering do-or-die 2018-19 seasons

ByGil Alcaraz IV|
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

The future may look bright for the Los Angeles Lakers, but it may not include all of these players if they don’t live up to their potential in 2018-19.

There is a lot riding on the 2018-19 NBA season for the Los Angeles Lakers. Especially with LeBron James now on the roster, serious improvement (particularly in the wins column) is a must before the skeptics start to call for Magic Johnson‘s job.

I don’t see there being any problems in regards to the Lakers’ earning more Ws this season, though. James will take care of that almost single-handedly. Even in the Western Conference, the King will ensure that the Lakers not only improve upon their 35-47 record from a season ago, but also find their way to the postseason for the first time since 2013.

For some players, though, LeBron’s presence may not be enough to make all their troubles disappear. Many of the Lakers’ current players are, in my opinion, entering do-or-die campaigns that could have far-reaching effects on their NBA careers.

Maybe it has to do with their ability to coalesce with the new lineup — and more, specifically, LeBron. Or maybe it has to do with the fact that they simply need to reach their full potential before the Lakers decide to use them as trade bait. Either way, it’s imperative that these three individuals step up their games in 2018-19.

Related Story: Big-name free agents to pair with LeBron in 2019

So without further ado, let’s take a look at those three players as I spell out why I believe they’re all headed into do-or-die seasons.

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