Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Burning Questions the Lakers Must Answer to Win NBA Title

Despite endless media turmoil, the Los Angeles Lakers have been quite successful in this strike-shortened season.

Considering that Phil Jackson retired, their blockbuster trade for the best point guard breathing was rejected and their reigning Sixth Man of the Year wanted away all before the season even started, this season has to be considered somewhat of an actual success—at least to this point anyway.

The Lakers are currently the No. 3 seed but only by a game-and-a-half on the neighboring Clippers.

While maintaining home-court advantage against all but the No. 1 and/or No. 2 seed is important, the Lakers have more pressing questions that must be answered if they're to make a title run.

If they can answer them effectively, they are easily one of the top five contenders in the postseason.

1. Can Kobe Bryant Stay Healthy?

The 33-year-old is leading the league in scoring and has finally decided to rest here late in the season after battling a number of ailments for much of the year.

We know Kobe is a warrior and that he'd take the court if he had only one good leg, three good fingers and eye patch on, but the Lakers won't win that way.

He's scoring the most points he has since 2007-2008, and it is obviously taking a toll on him.

Kobe's health is directly tied to how much they need out of him on a nightly basis.

2. Will Andrew Bynum Continue to Produce?

The young 24-year-old is putting together the best season of his career and is arguably the best center in the league right now.

He's had a few run-ins with his coach and was tossed from a game recently, but he's stepping up at the most crucial time for the LakeShow.

The postseason is a different animal, but he's been there every year he's been healthy. This could very well be his true coming-out party.

3. Can they Depend on Metta World Peace?

In Kobe's absence, MWP has regained some of his old Ron Artest form and has been a huge help for the Lakers.

Soon enough, Kobe will be back, but that shouldn't truly kick World Peace aside. We know how he can get mentally psyched out of situations, but if this team is going to succeed, they'll need as much as possible from the one-time Finals hero.

Mike Brown needs to do everything he can to keep MWP playing at a high level.

4. Will Pau Gasol Find His Role?

The entire Lakers team was dominated by the Mavericks last year, but Pau was actually obliterated by Dirk.

This season has been a bit of struggle for him, from the trade rumors to his place in Mike Brown's system.

Los Angeles needs all hands on deck if they're going to a playoff series, let alone the Finals, and that means Pau has to fall into place.

As Bynum continues to progress, the Lakers have to get the veteran to buy into things and bring an efficient game to floor every night.

5. Do the Lakers Have Enough Depth?

The addition of Ramon Sessions has given the Lakers a boost, but they'll still struggle against elite point guards. Unfortunately, they have no other answer than to shut down teams in other ways.

That includes team defense, and that means they need more than just the starting five to contribute.

Do the Lakers truly have enough depth? No. Can they succeed with what they have? Yes, but only if all four aforementioned questions are answered.

If the Lakers are going to win an NBA title this year, this is what they have to do.