The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to avoid missing the postseason in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1974 and 1975 season.

Even though this team finished in 14th place in the Western Conference last season, expectations are always high for the 16-time NBA Champions.

Byron Scott will be coaching the Lakers (the team he previously played for) this season. Scott is most notable for leading the New Jersey Nets to two consecutive finals appearances. He has a big task ahead of him this season coaching the Lakers.

Center: Jordan Hill

The Lakers are pretty thin at center. Robert Sacre and Ed Davis can provide help off the bench, while Jordan Hill gets the start. Last season Hill had career highs across the board. He led the Lakers in offensive rebounds with 70 more than Pau Gasol last year. With Gasol gone, Hill is the Lakers best rebounder, and he's going to have to start playing like a No. 8 overall draft pick.

Power Forward: Carlos Boozer

Boozer is a very criticized player, but he deserves more credit than he receives. His scoring won't replace that of former power forward Pau Gasol, but his rebounding, passing and free-throw shooting can't go unnoticed. Boozer will be expected to play a lot of minutes and play great defense. In addition to playing solid defense, Boozer usually stays relatively healthy during the season. The Lakers frontcourt is far more defensive oriented than offensive.

Small Forward: Nick Young

Even though the Lakers finished a horrid 27-55 last season, they did rank No. 2 overall in three pointers made overall and per game. Nick Young has a great stroke and starting shooting guard potential, but with Bryant still on this team, he's going to start at small forward. Young hit a career high 135 3-point shots last season. If the Lakers can get production from their big men down low, Young can do a lot of damage from the outside with his perimeter shooting.

Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant

Bryant is a five-time NBA champion, all with the Purple and Gold franchise. Last season was a disaster for Bryant, who only played six games because of a terrible knee injury. It's going to be a tough comeback for Bryant, but as we well know, he's one of the hardest workers in the league. Bryant is entering his 19th career season, and he knows playing defense is a must. His leadership and experience will be valued on this young team.

Point Guard: Jeremy Lin

Steve Nash is one of the most established point guards of all-time, but the Lakers have to go with Lin. Lin is 14 years younger than Nash, and the Lakers are going to need his dual threat scoring abilities. Lin and Bryant could be one of the most successful backcourt tandems in the league this upcoming season. The Lakers are going to need Lin's intensity and energy to light up the Staples Center. Lin has only started more than 35 games in a season one time, so this will be his best opportunity to showcase his talents.


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