3 Hidden Traps That Could Derail Lakers NBA Title Push

Once the season restarts, the Los Angeles Lakers are in prime position to make a deep playoff run. Led by stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, having ancillary pieces step up will be key for LA’s success.

While many believe the Lakers will be one of the last teams standing, there are a few hidden aspects standing in the way between them and a title. Here they are.

3. Free Throw Shooting

James attempting a free throw / Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

The Lakers rank among the bottom three in the league in free throw percentage, a number that needs to be improved mightily for LA to have any sort of playoff success, especially since guys like LeBron and AD will be going to the free throw line a ton. If the team isn't hitting free throws, the postseason will be a lot more difficult than fan's might think.

2. Scoring Distribution

Blazers star Damian Lillard grabbing a rebound against James / Harry How/Getty Images

Once again, it's LeBron and AD running the show. They average 25.7 and 26.7 points per game, respectively. The next closest? Kyle Kuzma with 12.5, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope with 9.5, and Avery Bradley with 8.6. Not exactly the wholesome distribution you want when playoff defenses take it up a notch. And let's be honest, Lakers fans can't really rely on those aforementioned three players for a timely or clutch bucket.

1. Possible Lack of Depth

Dwight Howard setting a screen for Avery Bradley / Zhong Zhi/Getty Images

With James and Davis shouldering most of the load, the supporting cast becomes even more important. With both Avery Bradley and Dwight Howard likely not playing the rest of the shortened season, LA is now two guys short on their bench. That's especially bad given how those two have proven to be key players before the season was postponed. The Lakers will have to look toward the free agent market and hope a couple of other guys on the roster step up to make up for these losses.