3. Los Angeles Lakers
Even though the Los Angeles Lakers haven’t looked great in preseason, it’s hard to fade a team that is led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. If Russell Westbrook could find a way to find next to them, it will make this team perhaps the overwhelming favorite to come out of the Western Conference.
But even if Westbrook is bad, the Lakers should still be able to lean on LeBron and Davis. Plus, the added depth is something that will help this team tremendously and it’s not talked about enough heading into the season.
The Lakers might need Westbrook for them to be a true contender but a healthy LeBron and Davis should still have the Lakers sitting atop the West standings by the time the playoffs come around. Don’t fade the Lakers.