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5 Takeaways From Los Angeles Lakers’ Early-Season Play

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By @sdmeyers1

5 Takeaways From Los Angeles Lakers' Early-Season Play

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The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled out of the gate, as the team has lost six of the first seven contests. Significant roster turnover and an array of injuries have proven costly thus far. Through the first few weeks of the 2014-15 season, here are five takeaways for the Lakers.

5. Ed Davis Can Be Long-Term Piece

Ed Davis
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5. Ed Davis Can Be Long-Term Piece

Ed Davis
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The former Raptors and Grizzles forward was an under-the-radar signing for the Lakers, as Davis has paid early dividends. Still just 25, Davis has a golden opportunity to re-establish himself as a regular contributor this season, as the injuries to the Los Angeles' frontcourt will afford him significant playing time. As expected, Davis has provided solid defense and shot blocking, but his uptick in offense has been a pleasant surprise.

4. Jeremy Lin's Inconsistency Will Prove Problematic

Jeremy Lin
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4. Jeremy Lin's Inconsistency Will Prove Problematic

Jeremy Lin
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Through seven games, Lin is almost mirroring his career averages in every category, but his play has been wildly inconsistent. Lin struggled mightily in several contests, including an 0-for-6 performance against the Warriors, but produced a sterling outing against Chris Paul and the Clippers. His best effort came in the Lakers' lone victory, as he scored 21 points with seven assists against the Hornets. His play will often dictate team success.

3. Team Defense Still a Major Weakness

Byron Scott
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3. Team Defense Still a Major Weakness

Byron Scott
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The Lakers, who allowed the second-most points in the NBA last season, figured to improve under new coach Bryon Scott. Thus far, the results have not been promising, as they are surrendering nearly 112 points per game, worst in the league. Scott figures to be much better at rectifying this issue than previous coach Mike D'Antoni, but significant progress is needed. The defense has especially struggled against fast breaks and three-point shots.

2. Jordan Hill Is a Major Contributor

Jordan Hill
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2. Jordan Hill Is a Major Contributor

Jordan Hill
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Hill is averaging almost 10 more minutes per game than any previous season in his career, and he's producing in his opportunity. He's averaging double figures in scoring for the first time in his career (14.7 points), as his improved perimeter shot has paid dividends. As has always been the case since coming to the Lakers, Hill is rebounding at a prolific rate, but his all-around game has improved considerably, particularly in the assist column.

1. Kobe Bryant Can Still Score At an Elite Level

Kobe Bryant
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1. Kobe Bryant Can Still Score At an Elite Level

Kobe Bryant
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Coming off injuries, the future Hall-of-Fame guard has still managed to light up the scoreboard at age 36. The way Bryant has done it has been somewhat reminiscent of the 2005-06 season, when he received almost no help offensively and had to create his own shot with regularity. Kobe's shooting and free-throw percentages are both career lows so far, but he's still leading the league in scoring and could set several scoring marks this season.

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