The Los Angeles Lakers are favored to go back-to-back next season.
According to The Action Network, the Los Angeles Lakers are the favorite to win the NBA title next year. But the Lakers can ill afford to rest on their laurels. They have work to do if they want to repeat as NBA champions.
In the aftermath of the successful completion of the bubble, the NBA started thinking about when they could safely and logically start next season. While we don’t know when it will start, NBA commissioner Adam Silver told CNN last month that his “best guess” was that the season would not begin until 2021 (h/t ESPN.com).
So, what did this year’s playoffs prove?
It proved that in year 17, LeBron James is still the best player in the game. But it also confirmed what I knew heading into the playoffs: the Lakers were the best team from wire to wire. (Sorry, Los Angeles Clippers’ apologists)
They disposed of the Portland Trail Blazers, the Houston Rockets, and the Denver Nuggets all in five games. The Miami Heat — led by gritty performances from a resilient Jimmy Butler — gave them all they could handle before ultimately losing in the NBA Finals in six games.
But the organization knows that their roster will have to look different because the NBA landscape will look different. Several notable players such as Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are returning after missing time due to injury.
The Golden State Warriors featuring the “splash brothers” and Durant have proven to be an obstacle in James’ pursuit of winning championships.
But the Lakers have the two best players in the league: LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Those are the only two players who are “untouchable” on that roster. Davis plans to opt-out of his current contract, giving him the flexibility to sign a short-term or long-term deal. Re-signing Davis has to be priority number one in the offseason.
Once they re-sign Davis, then team owner Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka can fill out the roster.
The Lakers need to retain the services of guard Avery Bradley. Bradley opted out of playing in the bubble, citing family concerns. Contributions from Rajon Rondo and Alex Caruso helped alleviate his absence. They need Bradley to contend with the Golden State Warriors dynamic backcourt.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ front office will have their work cut out for them.
Will they repeat as NBA champions?
Time will tell.