NBA: 5 teams who can make a return to the playoffs in 2018-19

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 15: Head coach Tyronn Lue (L) of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers after a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Lakers

This choice is a no-brainer.

The Los Angeles Lakers have had the biggest offseason yet, especially since they began their summer by signing LeBron James to a four-year, $153 million dollar monster contract. Despite being the butt of free agency jokes over the last few summers, they finally landed the big fish – perhaps the biggest of all fishes.

The Lakers’ young talent had a fantastic showing in the Last Vegas summer league as they competed in the final game and finished with a 6-1 record.

With their young core still intact and veteran additions, the Lakers will make the playoffs in the highly competitive Western Conference. Even without adding anything between now and the start of the regular season, Los Angeles will be a player in the West. LeBron is that good.

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