1. Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers were underwhelming a season ago and finished 11th in the West with a 35-47 record. They missed the playoffs for the sixth straight season after being riddled with injuries.
LeBron James – the man being constantly slept on and scrutinized throughout the entire offseason – will look to rebound and claim his fourth NBA championship this season.
After failing to miss the playoffs for the first time in what seemed to be an eternity, James, 34, compiled the most rest in an offseason that he’s received in nearly a decade after eight straight Finals appearances. Now, a fully rested and angry LeBron is ready to assert his dominance, once again, and remind the league why he’s called the King.
Along with James, the Lakers made a blockbuster trade of their own by acquiring Anthony Davis in a deal that shipped out their young core of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and some picks.
With this acquisition, the Lakers are led by two top-five generational players that are hungrier than ever. Anthony Davis, 26, just came off a season averaging 27 points and 12 rebounds on the New Orleans Pelicans – a team that he had no desire to play for.
With that being said, that level of production is easily attainable to Davis. Being paired with LeBron James will only open up and expand his game even more, as I expect James-Davis to be the most fearsome duo throughout the league.
Despite playing with players such as Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love in his career, Anthony Davis will be the most talented player that James has ever played with.
Let that sink in.
The Lakers also added many key veterans, that have their fair share of playoff and Finals experience, to surround the tandem. Players like Rajon Rondo, Danny Green, Javale McGee, Avery Bradley, Jared Dudley, Dwight Howard, and Quinn Cook, fill out this roster. With James playing point guard this year expect those shooters to get plenty of open looks beyond the arc.
Furthermore, the Lakers are currently in win-now mode due to LeBron James’ age. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t expect age to play a huge factor for James in Year 17. The 6-foot-8 forward isn’t human and he’ll continue to defy Father Time throughout the season. He’s going to be in store for another MVP-type year in LA.
Move over, Clippers. This league belongs to the Lakers.