NBA: 5 Biggest X-Factors entering the 2018-19 season

NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 12: Lonzo Ball #2 and Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers watch play from the bench in the first half during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Los Angeles’ fountain of youth

When LeBron James joined the Los Angeles Lakers this off-season, he quickly raised the stakes and expectations of the Lakers organization for the 2018-19 NBA season. The 15-year NBA veteran LeBron James is getting a refreshed take on basketball as he enters his first season in the city of Angels.

James has lead his previous teams to the NBA Finals for each of the last eight seasons but to return this year will require LeBron’s greatest captaincy.

One of the major factors of the 2018-19 NBA season will be how the great young players on the Lakers develop this season under the guidance of King James. Improvement from young stars like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma will be essential for the Lakers to have a successful season. How well these young players perform this season will have a huge impact of how the 2018-19 NBA Season outcome plays out.