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The Los Angeles Lakers are the most celebrated and second-most decorated franchise in NBA history. The last six years for the Lakers have been traumatic, as they have failed to qualify for the playoffs since 2013. Last season they signed LeBron James, but with an inconsistent and injury-prone young core, James was unable to lead the Lakers to the postseason.
The Lakers have started this season really well having lost only three games so far. The Lakers are completely revamped with a new set of players and coaching staff. Here are the 5 reasons why the Lakers are the favorites to win the NBA championship this season.
#1 LeBron James and Anthony Davis
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are probably the best duo in the NBA right now. LeBron looks fresh and rejuvenated after the long offseason break. Davis is in the prime of his career and averaging 27 points, 9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.
LeBron is averaging 25.9 points per game at the age of 34 and leading the league with an average of 10.1 dimes per game. LeBron and AD complement each other well and understand each other's game. The two are contributing to half of the team's points in many games. If LeBron and AD stay healthy throughout the season it will be a herculean task to stop the Lakers.
#2 Rob Pelinka's signings during free agency
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka has to be given a lot of credit for building this Lakers team. In the offseason, he traded Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart, three promising youngsters for a generational superstar Anthony Davis. It was a risk worth taking and results of that trade have been promising for the Lakers.
Last season, the Lakers lacked 3-point shooters and struggled from downtown. This season Rob Pelinka added Danny Green, Quinn Cook and Troy Daniels who are good long-range shooters. Injury to DeMarcus Cousins meant that the Lakers needed another signing and Pelinka signed Dwight Howard. The Howard experiment has worked well and the former DPOY is a man reborn. He is physically in great condition and Lakers fans absolutely love Dwight Howard now.
Also read: 3 Reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers are the best team in the league right now
#3 Frank Vogel and the coaching staff
Frank Vogel should be given a lot of credit for coaching a team with 11 new players and being 24-3 in the league. Vogel is known as a defense-minded coach and he has sorted the Lakers defense out. The Lakers block almost 7 shots per game and they lead the league in terms of blocks per game.
There was always talk of egos clashing between Frank Vogel and Jason Kidd but nothing of that sort is happening. Vogel is proactive and is making changes mid-game when things are not going the Lakers' way.
#4 Phenomenal record on the road
The Lakers have been phenomenal on the road this season. They are currently 14-1 on the road. They have been a formidable force outside the Staples Center this season. In a back to back against Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz, they beat both the teams convincingly. A Denver and Utah back to back is as tough as it gets. The altitude in Denver and the fans in Utah make it tough for the visiting teams.
The Lakers obliterated Portland Trail Blazers and many other teams on the road. The Lakers also managed to beat Luka Doncic's Mavericks and Jimmy Butler's Miami Heat. The Lakers' form on the road is convincing and If they continue their red hot form on the road then the championship might be coming back to the Staples Center after 10 years.
#5 Team chemistry
The Lakers roster consists of 11 new members but that has not impacted the team chemistry one bit. The team has gelled together excellently and the teammates have each other’s backing. When Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was going through a rough phase initially it was Dwight Howard who came out in support of KCP.
The whole team including the injured DeMarcus Cousins celebrated when Dwight Howard scored a 3-pointer against the Utah Jazz. They not only have good chemistry on the court but even off the court as well. Danny Green posted a photo on his Instagram account where all the teammates were there. This just shows they are united and back each other very well.
This team has champions like LeBron James, Rajon Rondo and Danny Green who know what it takes to win a ring. They have veterans like Jared Dudley and Dwight Howard from whom the youngsters can learn. They celebrate each other's success, and this is why this Lakers team looks destined for success.
Also read: 3 Reasons why Los Angeles Lakers should trade Kyle Kuzma before the NBA Trade Deadline
Guess the Lakers players!
