1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Despite being limited to only 55 games during his first season as a Los Angeles Laker, 15 time All-NBA Team member LeBron James still managed to average 27 pts, 8 rebs, and 8 assists per game. However, the Lakers managed only a 37-45 record, missing the playoffs for the 6th consecutive season.
There are hope and excitement in LA for the purple and gold for two big reasons: LeBron’s return from injury and the offseason acquisition of star center Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Davis, obtained by the Lakers after the season in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and draft picks, provides the 34-year-old James with support on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. With James manning the point guard position for the Lakers this season, he will be able to run the pick and roll game with Davis to perfection.
In addition to Davis, the Lakers re-signed shooter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, added former All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins on a one-year deal, and inked Danny Green, the starting shooting guard on the Raptors title team, to a two-year pact worth $30 million. The continued development of power forward Kyle Kuzma will also be essential in the success of the Lakers this season
While James may be slowly easing out of his prime, there is no question he will put together an MVP caliber season. The question, however, is simple: Can he lead the Lakers to the postseason, and perhaps the championship? With Davis and co., the answer is yes.