The Lakers have not had a player not named Kobe Bryant average 18 points a game or more in four years. That happens to coincide with the worst stretch in Lakers history during which the team has won few games.
Whether or not that streak ends this season remains to be seen. The emphasis this summer has been on improved defense, and rightly so as the team’s woes in that department are well documented.
However, the goal is still to outscore your opponent, and whether the team wins 128-126 or 85-83, it counts as a victory either way.