When it comes to improvement, in the case of the Los Angeles Lakers, there is always room to grow, especially after the way the last NBA season went. 

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a terrible season in which they lost a franchise-record 55 games. The Lakers placed 14th overall in the Western Conference, 22 games out of a possible eight seed. Bryant injured his knee early in the season, and the Lakers never really had a chance.

The Lakers had a busy offseason in which they signed a new head coach, Byron Scott. They didn't get the big marquee player that they wanted, but the Lakers did save money and make some good additions.

Can they rebound from their disappointing 2013-14 NBA season this year? Here are five things the Lakers must do to be a more successful team next season:

Don't Overuse Kobe Bryant

Bryant is still the "go to guy" in Los Angeles, but coach Byron Scott has to make sure he doesn't overuse the Mamba. Bryant is entering his 19th season in the National Basketball Association, and is coming off a season in which he only played six total games.

It's going to be up to Bryant as well to conserve his body. Bryant is going to have to trust his teammates offensively, and distribute the ball while taking fewer shots.

Start Jeremy Lin

Lin has already said he "can't wait" to learn from veteran point guard Steve Nash.

The two-time league MVP is entering his 19th season in the NBA, just like Bryant. Although Nash ranked third all-time in assists, and is one of the best passers ever, he isn't exactly in his prime anymore. Nash can still give great advice to younger players, and be a great asset off the bench.

The Lakers didn't get Carmelo Anthony or Chris Bosh, but they did trade for Jeremy Lin. Lin is an exciting young player, who can score and pass. It will be interesting to see if Lin and Bryant will be successful together next season.

Feed Nick Young

The No. 16 overall pick from the 2007 NBA Draft was a good pickup last offseason. Jodie Meeks led the Lakers in three pointers last season with 162, but he's with the Detroit Pistons now. Steve Blake, who was also a good perimeter shooter, is also gone. The Lakers' best three point shooter is now Nick Young.

Young hit a career-high 135 threes last year, and the Lakers need him to be their go-to perimeter shooter. Young taking the majority of three-point shots also preserves Bryant's shoulder, and frees things up for Boozer down low.

Use Hill and Boozer Together

With Pau Gasol gone, the Lakers are more vulnerable in the paint. The Lakers have always been the best franchise when it comes to centers. Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal are prime example of Hall of Fame Lakers centers.

Jordan Hill averaged 7.4 rebounds per game last season, while Carlos Boozer averaged 8.3 with the Chicago Bulls. Neither are very skilled scorers, so they won't be used like Tim Duncan and David Robinson were with the San Antonio Spurs. They can, however, play good defense. With both playing alongside one another, opposing teams would at least have a challenge ahead of them.

Play Better Defense

Last season, the Lakers ranked No. 29 in points against out of 30 teams. Surprisingly, their offense was ranked No. 11. If the Lakers are going to survive in this fierce Western Conference, they're going to have to be committed to playing on the defensive side of court. Former head coach Mike D'Antoni was heavily criticized because his system usually resulted in poor defensive numbers.

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