For the Los Angeles Lakers, improvement isn't an option--it's a necessity in the coming NBA season.

The Lakers had a horrific NBA season last year, the squad finishing 27-55, good enough for 14th place in the Western Conference. Its 55 loses last season set a franchise record. Head coach Mike D'Antoni resigned from the team, and the spot was filled by Byron Scott.

This offseason, the Lakers didn't make the usual big-name signing we're used to seeing them make, but little additions here and there show some promise. Management and coaching can only do so much for a team, so the players will have to step up. Here are five players who will have to play great next season for the Lakers to make the NBA playoffs:

1. Carlos Boozer

Even though the Lakers lost Pau Gasol, they did claim Carlos Boozer off waivers. What made this such a great deal is the Lakers will only have to pay a small amount of Boozer's contract next season. Boozer is an experienced power forward who has terrific rebounding skills. Boozer is also considered a "low risk" player because he very rarely injured.

If Boozer can be the defender he's capable of being in Los Angeles, the Lakers could have something. Boozer is also a career 72 percent free throw shooter.

2. Kobe Bryant

Bryant is without a doubt one of the best players of the 21st century. The five-time NBA champion will be entering his 19th season next year. Although he is one of the all-time greats, he is coming off a huge knee injury. Last season, Bryant only played six games

This season, Bryant is going to have to trust his teammates more than ever. The 36-year-old shooting guard can still hit the outside jump shot and score at will, but in order to preserve his body, Bryant may play less minutes per game this season.

3. Jeremy Lin

Lin was one of the best offseason signings. He has expressed numerous times how excited he is about playing alongside Kobe Bryant. Maybe it's because they both share the same birthday? Whatever the case, Lin and Kobe could be one of the most exciting duos in the NBA next season.

Point guard Steve Nash is now 40 years old, and he never was a great defender, even in his prime. The Lakers would be wise to choose Lin over Nash because of age and endurance. Lin isn't just a great passer of the basketball, but he can score, as well. If this Lakers team is going to make the playoffs, Lin is going to have to play a big role.

4. Nick Young

Surprisingly, last season the Lakers did rank No. 2 overall in 3-pointers made per game and three pointers made overall only behind the Houston Rockets. Unfortunately, Jodie Meeks, who led the Lakers in 3-pointers made last season, is now with the Detroit Pistons.

With Meeks gone and Bryant still doing a lot of his damage from mid range, Nick Young is going to be an extremely valuable player. Young made a career-high 135 perimeter shots last season, making it the third time in his career he eclipsed the 100 mark plateau.

5. Jordan Hill

Hill, a former No. 8 overall draft pick, isn't the second coming of Wilt Chamberlain or Shaquille O'Neal, but he's a serviceable center. Gasol led the Lakers in total rebounds last season, so Hill will have to play better than ever. Hill is still just 27 years old, and he did lead the Lakers in offensive rebounds last year with 194.

Hill and Boozer will be the most interesting front court to watch this upcoming season. Neither are very gifted scorers, but they can leave the scoring to the guards. Hill and Boozer aren't expected to be the next Patrick Ewing-Charles Oakley or David Robinson-Tim Duncan combination, but these two can rebound, hit free throws, pass very well and provide big body's in the paint area.

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