Ranking 5 the most likely NBA champions if season resumes

2. Los Angeles Lakers

In a playoff matchup, the Clippers’ superior depth could matter, but for now, the edge has to go to the Los Angeles Lakers — not just because our last image of the NBA season was LeBron James racking up wins over both LAC and the league-leading Milwaukee Bucks, but also because they’ve sat atop the West all season long …. and this extended layover will help them as much as anyone.

While it’s unfortunate the suspended season is stealing precious time from the King’s remaining prime, this season has been a revelation for James. Watching a 35-year-old LeBron put up 25.7 points, a league-leading 10.6 assists and 7.9 rebounds per game in his 17th season comes as less of a surprise when one remembers he was on the sidelines in April, May and June last year for the first time since 2006.

That extended time to rest, recover and work on his body over the summer clearly paid dividends, so giving him another mini-offseason to recuperate in the middle of an active campaign is downright unfair to everyone else if this season indeed returns. The Lakers were already the top team in the West, with two MVP-caliber stars and the league’s second-best record, second-best point differential, fourth-best offense and third-best defense.

Throw in LeBron’s extensive playoff experience that transcends his normal bouts of fatigue, and it could be game over for the rest of the league.