3 areas where the Los Angeles Lakers need to improve in the 2nd half of the NBA season

The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the best teams in the NBA in the first half of the season. They have a 36-9 record and are the best team in the Western Conference.

LeBron James has been absolutely sensational for the Lakers. He is the leader in assists and is contending for another MVP this season. James is averaging 25 points, 7.5 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game for the season.

Anthony Davis is also supporting the King in plenty of ways. He leads the Lakers in points, rebounds, steals and blocks. Davis is the prime candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award and is also a contender for the NBA MVP award.

The Lakers have most of the things in place to win the championship this season. However, there are still some areas which require improvement. Here are the top three areas where the Lakers should improve.

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#3 Free throw accuracy

Los Angeles Lakers v New York Knicks

The Lakers are one of the worst teams when it comes to free throw shooting in the NBA. They shoot only around 73% from the FT line and are the 26th ranked team when it comes to FT shooting.

The Lakers are ranked #1 when it comes to field goal percentage. They are a great offensive team and have tremendous offensive firepower. But they need to work on their shooting from the charity stripe.

James is shooting below 70% from the FT line. Dwight Howard is shooting below 50% and teams have even tried to go with the Hack the Dwight strategy to disrupt the momentum of the Lakers. In close games, free throw shooting makes the difference. It is also the easiest way to score points in today's NBA.

#2 Rate of turnovers

Los Angeles Lakers v Brooklyn Nets

The Lakers currently don't have much depth at the point guard position. As a result, LeBron James is made to play at the position on most occasions.

James leads the NBA in assists and has been the most dominating point guard in the NBA. But creating every play for the team is taking its toll on James and he needs more power at this position. The Lakers are also struggling with their rate of turnovers.

Both James and Davis are taking loads of defensive attention. The Lakers should try out the market for a point guard. That will give them someone who can create in the absence of James and also cut down on their turnovers. There are rumors of Lakers being in touch with Darren Collison to solidify their point guard position. They should definitely try to get him as he is a solid shooter and can also provide them with ball handling options. James can also get the much needed rest in between matches.

#1 Bench scoring

Los Angeles Lakers v Dallas Mavericks

The Lakers thought that Kyle Kuzma will develop into a consistent scoring option coming off the bench for them this season. But Kuzma has been very underwhelming for the Lakers. He has been very inefficient from the 3PT line and has produced inconsistent performances. Kuzma is averaging 13 points on 33% shooting from the 3PT line.

Rajon Rondo was never a good scoring option. He is also not a good shooter and that is hurting the spacing for the Lakers. KCP has been playing very good this season. He is the best three point shooter for the Lakers and also looks like their best option coming off the bench. KCP is shooting 43% from the 3PT line and provides a great floor spacing option for the Lakers.

The Lakers need to have a great bench in order to win the championship this season. Teams like Clippers have Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell in their lineup. They come off the bench and change the landscape of matches. The Lakers should also try and strengthen their bench.