Here are the two ways the Lakers can fix their two biggest issues

RC Nazemi

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Here are the two ways the Lakers can fix their two biggest issues image

Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers look great so far. They're 17-6 and the 2nd seed in the West, they're off to a terrific start to the season, and currently look to win their 2nd NBA Cup in three years. 

Luka Dončic looks like the MVP of the league, averaging 35 points (1st in NBA), 9.2 rebounds (T-13th in NBA), and 9.1 assists (3rd in NBA). Austin Reaves has put the league on notice, and the other night in Philadelphia, it looked like LeBron James finally found his rhythm. 

More: NBA insider suggests LeBron James performance in Philadelphia sends terrifying message to the league

With the big three rolling and role players like Deandre Ayton getting scarily comfortable, you'd think this team has barely any flaws. 

They have two, however, that stand out, and there are two ways they can go about fixing them. 

How to fix the issues of defense/athleticism and bench scoring

The Lakers rank last in the league in bench scoring as it currently stands. It's fine when your starting unit contains two of the top-ten scorers in the league currently, but good teams will continue to punish the Lakers' bench unit. 

Since LeBron James' return, the team has also seen a reduction in defensive effectiveness due to not only the removal of Marcus Smart from the lineup, but also his being hurt altogether. 

More: Is Marcus Smart playing vs the Spurs?

One way to solve both those issues is a lineup change. 

If the Lakers were to move Rui Hachimura to the bench in favor of Jake LaRavia or, better yet, Marcus Smart, it would help some of the defensive issues plaguing the starting unit, as well as give that bench unit a scoring punch. Hachimura's 14 PPG would help drastically. 

There is another way to solve both issues as well, and while it still includes moving Hachimura to the bench, it also includes a major influx of talent. 

The Lakers could trade for the Pelicans' Herb Jones. 

More: Bill Simmons trade idea pairs one of the best defenders in the NBA alongside Luka Dončić

Adding Herb Jones to this Lakers roster would do wonders for this team and vault them into possible title contention. 

They'd truly have a point of attack defender in his prime to guard the opposing team's best players. Rui Hachimura would help the bench unit, and you could still keep Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia on the bench to retain what little punch they currently have. 

If I'm Rob Pelinka, I pick up that phone and call New Orleans as soon as possible. 

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Senior Editor