Last year was an NBA season Los Angeles Lakers fans want to forget.

The team finished with a franchise-record 55 losses, Kobe Bryant only played six games and the team finished in 14th place in the Western Conference standings.

The next NBA season doesn't begin until October, but many people are already speculating on what the Lakers starting lineup will be. Head coach Byron Scott has a lot of work to do on a team that is in transition. And he's going to need help, particularly from these five players, if the Lakers want to wash away the stench of last season with a return to the NBA playoffs in 2015:

Center: Jordan Hill

With Pau Gasol gone, Hill now has even more responsibility. Hill is a former No. 8 overall draft pick. Before last season, he had never even started more than 11 games in a season. Hill is the best rebounder on this Lakers team, and he has said he's ready for a starting role. Hill isn't a dominating offensive player, but he does provide a big body and good enough defense. He's also a very good free throw shooter.

Power Forward: Carlos Boozer

Boozer is a reliable power forward. He is actually a better rebounder than Gasol is, and younger, too. The problem with this front court combination is scoring. Neither Boozer or Hill are ever going to be confused for Karl Malone or Hakeem Olajuwon. Regardless of their offensive restrictions, both Hill and Boozer are hard workers who can dominate the boards. It will be interesting to see how Boozer works with Hill in the paint area.

Small Forward: Nick Young

Now here is the big "make or break" player for the Lakers next season.

With Jodie Meeks now with the Detroit Pistons, Young is the best three-point shooter on the team. A lot of people will consider and favor Young coming off the bench, but the Lakers need his perimeter shooting skills in the starting lineup. Young hit a career-high 135 three pointers last season, all while shooting nearly 40 percent in the process. If Young can be a reliable long distance shooter, it will free up things for Boozer and Hill down low.

Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant

There's no question here; just hope.

Bryant played only six games last season before injuring his knee. Lakers fans everywhere are hoping that Bryant can stay healthy next season and play at the elite level he's capable of. Bryant has been playing in the NBA for almost 20 seasons, so it's essential he trusts his teammates now more than ever. Passing the ball and resting when necessary is critical for Bryant to playing a full healthy season. This offseason, Bryant has been working out persistently and setting his sights on a big return.

Point Guard: Jeremy Lin

The Lakers didn't make the biggest trade of the offseason, as we're so accustomed to seeing them do. However, they did make a great trade for point guard Lin, an explosive point guard who is extremely eager to start and play this season. We've seen Lin thrive in different systems before with the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets. Lin is a duel threat point guard who is capable of making plays passing wise and scoring. With veteran point guard Steve Nash now 40 years old and Jordan Clarkson still unproven, Lin is the best choice for next year's team.

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