'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers were the only team in the 2019 playoffs to push the eventual champions, Toronto Raptors to a Game 7 which they lost to a buzzer-beater from Kawhi Leonard which will be remembered as one of the most iconic shots in NBA history.
The franchise is built around 25-year-old big man Joel Embiid and 23-year-old point guard Ben Simmons. Both are supremely talented and could realistically develop into being the very best in the league. Embiid's on-court abilities are already at a near MVP level and the only thing that could stop him from going down as an all-time great center is injuries. Embiid's health issues cost them dearly in the 2019 playoffs and they should consider managing his load during the regular season so that he can play to the best of his abilities when it matters the most.
The Sixers had an eventful off-season, signing veteran All-Star big man Al Horford and sharpshooter Tobias Harris to long-term deals. They also acquired young ascending guard Josh Richardson who has shown improvement every year of his career.
Despite the loss of Jimmy Butler and JJ Redick, the Sixers still have one of the most talented rosters in the league. As long as Embiid can stay healthy, they are a force to reckon with and are the favorites to make it out of the east.
#2 LA Lakers
The storied LA Lakers just had its worst stretch in history, failing to make the playoffs for six consecutive years. Even LeBron James, who signed a four-year deal with the franchise last summer, was not enough to pull them out of their slump.
This year, however, things look a lot brighter for them with James now joined by Anthony Davis. Not only is Davis supremely talented, but his game also perfectly complements LeBron's. The Davis-James pick-and-roll is something we should see a lot of in the upcoming season.
The Lakers have also managed to build a well-rounded team around the two superstars with the likes of Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Alex Caruso returning from last year. They also signed some good free agents, first among which is DeMarcus Cousins, who was Davis's teammate at the Pelicans. The addition of Danny Green and Avery Bradley will bring some much-needed defensive toughness. Quinn Cook is a more than competent shooter and his stint with the Warriors gave him the experience of playing in the biggest stages.
With two of the five best players on the planet on their roster, the Lakers are legitimate contenders and a threat to any team in the NBA. If LeBron James continues to play at his usual level, it should surprise no one if the Lakers add another championship to their tally.
Guess the Lakers players!
