1. The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten comparatively worse
The Los Angeles Lakers were NBA title favorites heading into the season and rightfully so. They were the most talented team in the league when the season started and it made total sense to make them the favorites.
However, there is a reason why we don’t simply crown a champion based on the preseason title odds and that is because a lot cna change. Not only have the Lakers dealt with some bad injury luck, but they have gotten comparatively worse in the process.
The Brooklyn Nets did not make any moves at the deadline but they have already made their improvements. James Harden now helps form a big three and the Nets have seemingly gotten a revived version of Blake Griffin (which is why I was pushing so hard for the Lakers to take the chance!!!).
Star power wins championships more times than not and the Nets are the one team that has more star power than the Lakers. However, there are two other matchups that should absolutely frighten the Lakers.
Ironically enough, I still like the Lakers’ chances against the trio of the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers, as long as the Lakers are healthy. I hate the team’s chances if they have to play Denver at some point or Philly in the NBA Finals.
Both teams have elite big men that already poise a significant mismatch against the Lakers. Both of those teams got better at the deadline as well.
The Nuggets added JaVale McGee to call checkmate on the Lakers using Montrezl Harrell too much in a playoff series while also adding Aaron Gordon, which is a huge addition for the team. The 76ers increased their backcourt scoring presence by trading for George Hill.
Both teams directly addressed their biggest needs, which is what the Los Angeles Lakers should have done.