The Los Angeles Lakers were prime contenders for the Larry O’Brien Trophy the moment Anthony Davis signed on the dotted line to join LeBron James over the summer. The Bucks and Clippers knew this.

The Lakers soon raced to the best record in the Western Conference and managed to stay there, even becoming the first in the division to clinch a playoff spot.

The Purple and Gold recently sent a strong message to the rest of the league by pulling off convincing wins over the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers in succession.

Sure, it’s still the regular season, but those victories are indicative of the Lakers' chances to return to glory this year.

Let’s have a look at three reasons why the Lakers are clear championship favorites this season.

The Lakers finally got that monkey off their back

Despite the brilliant season they are having, the Lakers were still hounded by pundits for their inability to win against the two frontrunners from the two conferences.

Doubters were quick to write the Lakers off after their letdown against the rival Clippers in the first “Battle of LA” on opening night. They were mercilessly thrashed by critics following their Christmas Day letdown against the same team. Even hip-hop icon and Lakers superfan Snoop Dogg had an NSFW rant for the Lakers for losing to the Clippers.

The Lakers’ first meeting with Giannis and company did not go well either, as they got starched by the Bucks last year.

Judging by the Lakers’ roster alone, there’s no doubt that they can hang with any team in the world.

Finally getting their “revenge” and silencing the haters could only do wonders for the team’s confidence — especially with the playoffs looming around the corner.

Defense, defense, defense

At the risk of sounding cliche, defense still wins championships. The Lakers, of course, have that covered on all fronts.

The front court trio of Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee, and Dwight Howard has been as fearsome as advertised and continues to anchor the best defense in the league. AD is even a favorite to get his first DPOY nod at the end of the season.

The team also has a surplus of lockdown wing defenders that can take on the Kawhi Leonards and the James Hardens of the West.

Despite their offensive struggles, Danny Green and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are still capable of shackling down the best scorers in the league, especially in the postseason.

Then, there’s Avery Bradley, who seems to be getting his mojo back after overcoming several injury setbacks. That 24-point explosion against his former team, the Clippers, was simply a beauty to watch.

Let’s not forget LeBron James and his penchant for chase-down blocks.  He’s simply not human.

At a time when most 35 years old become defensive liabilities, LeBron continues to display the same zealous he had when he first entered the league in 2003.

The Lakers never take their foot off the gas

Complacency kills, especially in this league composed of the best players in the world. Most NBA teams usually take it easy when they have big leads, but not LA.

The Lakers hold a staggering record of 42-0 in games where they lead in the third quarter. That’s the definition of killer instinct right there.

Even more impressive, LeBron and AD are usually on the bench during these stretches. But somehow, someway the bench mob has not let them down and delivered with the finishing blow each time.