6. Lakers: LeBron James and Anthony Davis
It feels like 10 years ago since the Los Angeles Lakers won an NBA title in 2020. The roster that won that title has all but been replaced. Only LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Talen Horton-Tucker remain from that championship team.
The Lakers did make some good moves this offseason signing young talent who impact both ends of the ball. However, the question of Russell Westbrook is still on the roster. The fit with him and their best two players just wasn’t there last season. If the Lakers want to make a deep run and can’t trade Westbrook, then they need him to buy into taking a lesser role.
Outside of Westbrook, the Lakers need Davis to be healthy and perform at his peak. When they won the title, he was playing like a top-10 player in the NBA. If the Lakers want any shot next season, Davis needs to have an MVP-like season.
It’s crazy that LeBron is entering his 20th season and still playing at the elite level he has been. No other superstar has been this good for this long into this career. He’s clearly the second-best player of all-time and can probably play for another three to five years if he wants.