Los Angeles Lakers: 3 keys to being legitimate contenders in 2018-19

If the Los Angeles Lakers actually make a legitimate run at their 17th NBA Finals victory this season, these three key factors will be what gets them there.

Believe it or not, the Los Angeles Lakers are contenders for the 2018-19 NBA title. It may not seem like it right now, and nearly everyone is going to try to convince you otherwise. If you keep reading, though, I’ll paint you a prettier picture than you’ll find in most corners of the blogosphere.

There are undoubtedly going to be some hurdles. Finding their way through the Western Conference playoffs will be quite the challenge. Then again, just earning one of those 16 tickets to the postseason is going to be a test of this team’s will all by itself. I’m not saying the Lakers are just going to stride into this season and run roughshod on the rest of the league.

It’s going to take everything this roster has and then some. LeBron James may need to play some of his best basketball to get them there. And yet, when all is said and done, I believe there’s a legitimate chance the Lakers can make a run.

Whether or not you agree is up to you. I’m only here to try and shine some light on a few of the key aspects that could turn this overlooked squad into one worth being feared. Whether or not it leads to a title is still to be determined, but I’m telling you now that it’s more likely than most assume.

And with that said, let’s get into it. The following are what I believe to be the three keys to the Lakers emerging as legitimate contenders during the 2018-19 NBA season.