The Los Angeles Lakers have been looking to get back to the NBA Finals since their championship season in 2020. While the roster may look a little bit different this season because of their free-agent acquisitions and the departure of LeBron James, this team could still compete for a championship. 

There are multiple players on this roster who can contribute to success at the highest level, and if these players can step up and perform in the playoffs, the Lakers could find themselves in championship contention again. 

To start, the biggest factor in a Lakers championship is always going to be Luka Doncic. When he’s healthy, Doncic will always be in the MVP conversation, and very few teams in the NBA have a player like Luka who they can count on. 

Last season, Luka was in those conversations again, and when it looked like the Lakers were hitting their stride as a team, he went down with an injury, and the Lakers didn’t look the same.  

If Luka can stay healthy, this team can go as far as he takes them.  

The second big factor that could put the Lakers in championship contention is their improved frontcourt. Last season, their frontcourt was a problem and it was evidient in the postseason.  

The Lakers' big men consisted of Deandre Ayton and Jaxon Hayes, who struggled when they faced the Oklahoma City Thunder, who play a physical brand of basketball. 

Now, the Lakers have Walker Kessler who they added this offseason. Kessler is a player who can block shots and be effective around the rim on both ends of the floor, which is something the Lakers have lacked for a long period of time. 

Luka Doncic normally plays better with big men who can dominate around the rim, and he can set players like that up for success consistently. If Kessler stays healthy and plays his role, the Lakers' offense could be more efficient next season.  

The third factor is that this team has more depth in terms of players who can shoot the ball. This offseason, they added Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, and Sandro Mamukelashvili, three players who are effective from long range. 

To be a contending team, shooting the ball has to be a priority, and if these players can be reliable from downtown, the Lakers may see success in the postseason. 

Overall, this roster is built to compete in the playoffs, but much of its success will depend on who can step up in big moments.