It was a busy offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers this past summer. Even though they didn't acquire Carmelo Anthony, the team did trade for point guard Jeremy Lin and power forward Carlos Boozer. With Mike D'Antoni out, Byron Scott is now the head coach in Los Angeles.

So far, the Lakers are 2-3 this preseason. Of course, preseason isn't just about your overall record; it's more about how players adjust to systems and coaches. In all three of the Lakers defeats, they lost by at least 15 points.

In recent years, early struggles in Laker land have been a big indicator.

In 2012-13, the Lakers went 0-8 in the preseason, even with Dwight Howard. Soon afterwards, head coach Mike Brown was fired after a 1-4 start. It's not every season you see a coach fired just five games into the season.

Last season, the Lakers struggled in the preseason, as well, and the regular season was even worse. After five time NBA Champion Kobe Bryant injured his knee, the Lakers finished an abysmal 27-55.

In ESPN's NBA Player Power Rankings, Kobe Bryant placed No. 40 overall. Injuries, old age and a new system all played a factor in that position. Bryant is entering the 19th season of his NBA career. We've seen Bryant do a lot of great things in this league, but time isn't on his side.

The addition of Carlos Boozer has its advantages, but can he replace Pau Gasol?

Possibly the biggest obstacle facing the Lakers this season is competition. Making the playoffs while playing in the Western Conference will be a tough task. Teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers make it even harder to come out of the West.

Henry Abbott, of ESPN True Hoop, has speculated that Bryant may be the reason many big name players aren't being attracted to the Lakers like we're used to seeing. His big contract extension has instead veered other high profile players to other destinations he indicates. Instead of taking less money to play with better players like Tim Duncan, Bryant has chosen to receive the big contract.

The Lakers have a tough road ahead of them next season, but not an impossible one. Their defense and backcourt both remain the biggest question marks. Veteran point guard Steve Nash is 40 years old, and he's dealing with injuries. Lin and Bryant will have to play well all season for this Lakers team to make the playoffs.

The Lakers next preseason game will be against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

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