#3: Golden State Warriors
The third team that the Lakers should watch out for in the upcoming season is the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors are a team that in the 2019 season made their fifth consecutive NBA Finals.
With the loss of Kevin Durant and the recent news of Klay Thompson suffering another season-long injury, it appears that the Warriors will not be playing at their full potential again this season.
Despite Thompson not being in the lineup this season, the Warriors still have a very well put together roster that could make them major contenders in the 2020-2021 season. It appears that Stephen Curry will be returning 100% healthy. That alone is a gamechanger and something that the league as a whole should be on alert about.
Curry is arguably the greatest shooter of all time with seemingly limitless range and the ability to shoot from anywhere within half-court. Along with this, shortly after the news broke that Thompson would be sitting out this season, the Warriors made a move with the Oklahoma City Thunder that would give them Kelly Oubre Jr.
Along with this, the Warriors were awarded the second overall pick in the NBA draft and used that pick to select James Wiseman. Wiseman is arguably the best player in the draft and has a skill set that is perfect for both the Warriors’ offense and being a big in today’s NBA.
Lastly, the Warriors bench players got substantial playing time with most of the stars being injured during the regular season. As a result of this, they are more game tested and prepared for when their number is called this season.
Although there would be a better case for the Warriors to be a huge threat to the Lakers if Klay Thompson was healthy, due to offseason moves the Warriors have made they are still a real contender.