The Los Angeles Lakers are still celebrating their much-deserved championship, but as early as now, they already have a gigantic target on their back for next season. Some observers are already looking at possible teams who can dethrone the newly-minted kings of the NBA.
For ESPN host Stephen A. Smith, the biggest threat to the Lakers' repeat aspirations is one team LeBron James is very much familiar with: The Golden State Warriors. He said on First Take that it will be the Warriors who will stand in the way of the Purple and Gold.
Stephen A. Smith says the Warriors will be the biggest threat to the Lakers repeating next season.
(via @FirstTake) pic.twitter.com/uX1ftUizK5
— ESPN (@espn) October 15, 2020
The Dubs might very well pose the biggest threat if they regain their old form. They are expected to parade a healthy lineup next season led by the All-Star trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson, who's looking good in his recovery. There's also upstart forward Andrew Wiggins, who coach Steve Kerr is very high about, and up-and-comers Eric Paschall and Damion Lee, who both averaged in double digits this year. Perhaps more significantly, the Warriors own the no. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. They could also possibly trade it to acquire another superstar.
The Warriors had the worst record this season, winning only 15 games as they got saddled by injuries. Curry only played five games after undergoing left hand surgery, while Thompson missed the entire season due to a torn ACL. Green only suited up for 43 games and struggled to carry their motley crew of unknown guys.
But Smith expects the Bay Area squad to return in full force next season and try to reclaim the Larry O'Brien trophy.
The Lakers, meanwhile, will have to roll up their sleeves and punch the numbers to retain their championship core with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Rajon Rondo looking to test the waters in free agency.
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