NBA: Way-too-early playoff predictions for the 2021-22 season

2. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have to have an ugly taste in their mouth after losing to the Suns in the first round of the postseason last year. It was LeBron James his first first-round exit in the playoffs and I’m sure he is hoping that it’s going to be his last.

In an attempt to retool the roster this offseason, the Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook via trade as they let Dennis Schroder leave in free agency. It remains to be seen how this new trio (Westbrook, LeBron, Anthony Davis) will fit in Los Angeles, but there’s no question that the talent is in place for the Lakers to make another run to the NBA Finals.

Los Angeles also upgraded the supporting cast during the offseason and even was able to nab Carmelo Anthony for one last shot at a championship. You have to appreciate that storyline.