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Los Angeles Lakers: Pacific Division preview for the 2020-21 NBA season

By Tyler Soso

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 08: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clipper and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on March 08, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 08: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clipper and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on March 08, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Phoenix Suns

  • Key Additions: Chris Paul, Jae Crowder, Jalen Smith
  • Key Losses: Kelly Oubre Jr, Ricky Rubio, Aron Baynes

The Phoenix Suns are a team that the entire basketball world will have their eyes on this NBA season. After going 8-0 in the Orlando Bubble, and narrowly missing the Western Conference “Play-in tournament”, the Suns have only built on their success in this short off-season.

The Suns have not made the playoffs since the 09-10 season, but with the acquisition of future Hall of Famer Chris Paul, the Suns’ decade long playoff drought may soon come to an end.

The Suns had to give up a good amount of assets to acquire Paul, including Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre, and a 2022 first-round pick. Although it is a lot to give up for Paul, who will be 36 years old by the start of the playoffs, he is still one of the top point guards in the league.

Paul who was named to the All-NBA Second Team last season will team up with All-Star shooting guard and lethal scorer, Devin Booker who has been in need of help for multiple seasons now. Acquiring Paul will also help third-year center Deandre Ayton’s production rate significantly, as he’ll have a point guard who can help create easier opportunities for him on the offensive end.

After landing Paul, general manager James Jones helped round out the roster with players that complement the talents of Booker, Paul, and Ayton. Jones was able to re-sign stretch forward Dario Šarić to a three-year deal, along with signing free agent Jae Crowder to a three-year deal as well.

Crowder, who was a starter on the Miami Heat last season was a key three-point shooter for a team that lasted six games in the NBA finals against the Lakers, shooting around 39% from deep during his tenure.

With other players like Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, and 10th overall draft pick Jalen Smith rounding out head coach Monty Williams’ rotation, the Phoenix Suns are projected to make a huge jump in the Western Conference standings. Expect the Suns to be in the conversation for one of the top teams in the Pacific Division this season.

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