The Lakers have seen an unusually bad season this year, and are now struggling to make the playoffs. Although it is not out of the realm of possibility, the Lakers need to do a few key things before the end of the season of they want to get back into the hunt.

The first is defense. The Lakers offense has not been the issue so far this. Their defense has been weak, specifically in transition. In the NBA, you can’t be successful if you’re letting your opponents get easy points. And especially at such an elite level, player just don’t miss open opportunities.  Those ten to fifteen points a game that the Lakers are giving up can really make a difference at the end of the fourth quarter.

One thing that will help with this is the return of Pau Gasol.  When he comes back from his injury, the Lakers will certainly see more of a presence in the paint.

However, Kobe also has to change his play style a bit. The Lakers are at their best when Kobe is aggressive and penetrating, then dishing the ball off to Dwight Howard or Steve Nash for the bucket. When he is playing less selfishly, the Laker end up playing a lot better. And although this might result in Kobe’s point per game average, it will pay off in the long run.