The 16-time champions are the hot favorites to win the title. What factors make Lebron James and the Lakers odds-on favorites to win the NBA title?
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Los Angeles Lakers led by All-stars Lebron James and Anthony Davis are the likeliest franchise to win the championship. The 16-time champions are the hot favorites to win the title and they proved their credentials with back-to-back victories over Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers with Lebron James putting on a clinic.
Reason 1 – Lebron James
The 3-time NBA champion seems to be a man on a mission. James has been playing some remarkable basketball in his 17th year in the NBA. After the failure to qualify for the playoffs the previous year and an injury crisis, the king seems ready to take back his proverbial crown. With 25.7 points, 10.6 assists and 7.9 rebounds, Lebron has been one of the leading candidates to win the MVP award.
LeBron James talked to @BW about staying motivated through the death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, the pausing of the NBA season due to Covid-19, and the social movements sparked by the killing of George Floyd https://t.co/Q3opbvUX59 (Video via @QuickTake) pic.twitter.com/k9aHcyPKKR
— Bloomberg (@business) June 26, 2020
Lebron always elevates his game in the playoffs and his 8 consecutive finals appearances is a testament to it. With his aging body, Lebron certainly has the best chance to win his 4th championship this season. With Davis and a decent supporting cast, the Lakers certainly seem to have a great shot at winning their first title since 2010.
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Reason 2 – Anthony Davis
The former Pelicans’ star has certainly had a great season at Lakers and his chemistry with Lebron certainly has enhanced the Lakers. Davis has defensively been the best player for the Lakers and is in contention to win the Defensive Player of the Year.
With 26.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, Davis has certainly made a massive impact for the Lakers. Davis has not had success in the playoffs,but this certainly seems like his best chance till date to add a championship to his resume. Davis might play a crucial role against Clippers and Bucks as he seems their go to option to guard Giannis and Leonard.
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Reason 3 – Team chemistry and an able supporting cast
When the Lakers’ stars are quizzed about their biggest strength, the common answer is “team chemistry”. Head coach Frank Vogel seems to have gained the trust of his players and the team certainly look like a cohesive unit. Role players feel comfortable in the team and everyone seems to be really focused on winning a championship.
The loss of Bradley might seem to be a tough one but the Lakers have done well without him. The emergence of Alex Caruso, the resurgence of Caldwell-Pope, 2-time NBA champion Danny Green and a promising Kyle Kuzma seems to be a great supporting cast to the All-star duo of James and Davis. The dominant performances of McGee and Dwight Howard at center has also enabled Davis to play as a Power Forward.
All-in-all, the Lakers certainly has the best chance to win the championship when everything is done and dusted. The most celebrated franchise in the NBA may have a 17th title come August.
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