1. Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are a really good basketball team and they have not even reached their best version yet this season. Granted, they have had the easiest schedule in the NBA thus far, but the Warriors have been winning games that they should win and Stephen Curry has to be considered the current MVP favorite.
Klay Thompson still hasn’t returned yet this season and even though he has suffered multiple serious injuries, his playstyle should not be impacted too much and he should be able to give the Warriors the same elite shooting.
He might not be the same elite defender but he will still be serviceable. Regardless, it obviously raises the ceiling of the Warriors when he does come back.
James Wiseman also has not played yet this season. While the second-year center might not make a big impact this season, he does still give the lineup more flexibility and if he makes a year two leap then the Warriors become even scarier.
It is hard to see the Lakers keeping up with the Warriors in a playoff series. Golden State currently ranks first in points per game and third in points allowed per game. LeBron returning obviously opens things up for the Lakers scoring-wise but it is hard to see how they can slow down a Warriors team that will also have Klay Thompson.
The Warriors made good moves in the offseason and signed several role players that the Lakers should have signed. Meanwhile, the Lakers made a desperate trade that has not panned out.
The Warriors might sweep the Lakers in a playoff series with the way LA is playing right now.