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
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.