Melissa Rohlin identifies X-factor for Lakers against Thunder

"They need Kennard."

Kennard is a little too selective with when he takes shots sometimes. While he led the NBA in 3-point accuracy during the regular season for the third time with a 47.8% rate, he attempted 5.2 3-pointers per 36 minutes, which isn't a low number but isn't a high volume either. Coach JJ Redick said he would encourage Kennard to be more aggressive in looking to shoot the ball shortly after Kennard arrived in a February trade, but the guard hasn't consistently done so.

Rohlin set the bar high for Kennard in her article by defining a goal for him in this series.

"The Lakers need Kennard to be their third-leading scorer. To be aggressive. To hunt for his shot.

"... Even though he’s going to share the court with James and Reaves, he needs to play as though he’s a star.

"He needs to think of himself as a scorer. He needs to make his presence known."

Against the Thunder, the Lakers need points, more points and more points. Oklahoma City has one of the best defenses seen in recent memory, and it forces turnovers in bunches and led the league in points off turnovers during the regular season.

If Kennard is aggressive enough on a consistent basis, it will stretch Oklahoma City's defense and make its players move their feet instead of being able to simply remain in place and bait the Lakers into making risky passes. The Lakers need to play with pace, both in transition and in the halfcourt, and exercise constant ball and player movement.

Kennard has moved back to the bench with Reaves' recent return from an oblique strain. Los Angeles was 29th in bench scoring this season, which puts even more of an onus on Kennard to look to score rather than simply looking to hit open shots.

It's something he's capable of doing. But as Rohlin alluded to, he will have to change his mindset, at least for a fortnight or so.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Melissa Rohlin identifies X-factor for Lakers against Thunder