Through 40 games, the Los Angeles Lakers have a record of 33-7, which is not just the best record in the Western Conference by 5.5 games; its the best 40-game start theyve had since the 1999-00 season, when they finished the season with 67 wins two wins short of their franchise record.

Whats been more impressive about this season, though, is just how quickly the Lakers have come together. While its true that Phil Jackson was in his first year as head coach when Los Angeles won it all in 2000, his core four of Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Robert Horry and Shaquille ONeal had been together since the 1996-97 season, and Rick Fox joined the team the following year.

The same cant be said of Frank Vogel and this years Lakers team, which features eight new players, including three new starters. In spite of that, the height of their adversity so far was a four-game losing streak against four top-10 teams in December two of which came on the road.

Obviously having arguably the best one-two punch in the league in LeBron James and Anthony Davis has been a big part of the Lakers early success, but their chemistry has also played a huge role. In fact, following Mondays win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jared Dudley went so far as to say the locker room is closer than any team hes been on in his 12-year career.

Best chemistry Ive had on a team, Dudley said. Obviously I think the other team I had was the Suns, I think 2010 when we went to the Western Conference Finals. It started with LeBron in the summertime, us going to Vegas, us hanging out, half play, half work. Its for us getting to know each other. And I think winning has a lot to do with it. Credit Frank Vogel and the staff, (with) AD and LeBron leading.

And then were having fun, man. I think we actually genuinely like each other. Weve had no beefs or hiccups, and thats very unique even for good teams, Dudley continued. We went through our four-game losing streak, and in the locker room I can be a testament in telling you, it didnt change. And when you lose three or four, people might want to play more. Might say I dont know if coach is doing this right, but we all stood even-keeled, no one got too high and no one got too low.

That last bit about players not voicing their frustrations over their roles has been especially impressive.

During the aforementioned four-game losing streak, Quinn Cook was a healthy scratch three times even though it was evident the guard rotation needed a boost. But Cook didnt complain then, and he hasnt complained about the combined 48 minutes hes played in the games since either.

Thats a stark contrast from last season, when a group of veteran players JaVale McGee among them got into a heated verbal argument with Luke Walton over their roles. Granted, that team was much worse, but the lack of drama in the locker room this season is a testament to the quality of veterans on this years Lakers team, and Dudley is among the best of them, according to James.

Dudz is great, man, one of the best teammates Ive ever had, whether hes making shots or not, James said.

Well see what happens if the Lakers run into real adversity later in the season, but as of now, theres no reason to believe theres anything they cant handle as a team, which is a good indicator that theyre a true championship contender.

For more Lakers talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. You can follow this author on Twitter at @RadRivas.

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Jared Dudley: Lakers have best chemistry of any team Ive played for - Silver Screen and Roll