Who Are the 3 Biggest Threats to the Lakers?

The Los Angeles Lakers are the clear favorites in the Western Conference, especially after adding Russell Westbrook to the existing core of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. After the Brooklyn Nets, the Lakers are the favorites to win it all. 

This season is expected to be what last season couldn’t be due to injuries -- a victory lap of the 2020 championship. Los Angeles is the oldest team in the NBA, but that experience is the reason why it is poised for success in playoff basketball. 

If the Lakers are healthy, there aren’t a lot of teams in the league that I see competing with them, but here are the three teams in the Western Conference that could have something to say. 

All odds listed are via WynnBET. 

Golden State Warriors (+450 to win the Western Conference)

We saw what Steph Curry was able to do last season, leading the Warriors to the No. 8 seed and the play-in tournament. The Warriors hype is largely due to the fact that Klay Thompson is expected to make his return this season. Thompson has faced back-to-back lower leg injuries, but is still one of the greatest shooters to ever live. 

If Thompson comes back and can be close to what he once was, the Warriors championship window will open again. Curry is at the top of his game and with Draymond Green still in great defensive form, Golden State has the experience to push the Lakers. 

Phoenix Suns (+800 to win the Western Conference)

The Suns knocked the Lakers out of the playoffs last season and made it all the way to the Finals. They have the experience and have the blueprint of what needs to be done. This time around will be different because Westbrook and Davis will be there, but the Suns showed they could compete with them which is all I needed to see. 

Chris Paul still looks like a “Point God” and Devin Booker is getting better every year. Phoenix may have some issues with its frontcourt depth, but it can give Los Angeles a run for its money. 

Denver Nuggets (+1000 to win the Western Conference)

The Nuggets are in a similar situation as the Warriors. They have a star player that isn’t supposed to be back until the end of the year and need to just tread water until they do. Murray’s injury was a major blow towards Denver’s championship case last season, but the silver l ining is that it gives Michael Porter Jr. space to grow into a legitimate star. 

Also, the Nuggets have the MVP on their team. If Denver can tread water or even sneak into a top 4 seed, Murray’s return should be just the boost it needs to take down the big, bad Lakers.