Between Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers boast one of he best big threes in the entire NBA, although the Lakers seem comfortable in tier two, behind title frontrunners like the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Oklahoma City Thunder.
However, as Reaves continues to improve, James defies time, and Doncic returns to form, the Lakers should provide a tough matchup for anyone, and it wouldn’t be a total surprise if Los Angeles wins the title, getting Doncic his first ring. The Lakers’ title hopes hinge heavily on Doncic remaining healthy and building on his momentum from EuroBasket this summer, although there is a world where Doncic simply doesn’t improve.
Lakers Rank Behind Knicks in NBA Prediction
The Lakers are no strangers to winning titles. Since 2000 alone, LA boasts six championships. The New York Knicks, meanwhile, haven’t won it all since 1973.
Despite history favoring the Lakers, Jalen Brunson has been picked ahead of Doncic to win his first title this season. Both started their careers with the Dallas Mavericks, although Brunson didn’t turn into a superstar until after he signed with the Knicks. The Eastern Conference is New York’s for the taking, and Brunson has a key advantage over Doncic. There is reason to believe Brunson will get better this season. The same can’t really be said for Doncic.
“It’s possible Dončić has already played his best basketball,” explained Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes in a season preview. “The Mavericks seemed convinced that was the case, which is why they dealt him away.” When he’s healthy, Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA, although he missed 32 games last season and appeared out of shape until this summer. Brunson, like Doncic, will have a new coach this summer (Luka played only 28 games for JJ Redick), although there is an expectation that he will thrive in his system.
“If new head coach Mike Brown does a better job of limiting Brunson’s minutes during the regular season, the two-time All-NBA guard could be fresher for the playoffs…and it might yield a title,” Hughes predicted.
Knicks Are Expected to Adjust More Than Lakers
Brunson is surrounded by star talent in New York, although it’s clearly his team. While the Lakers seem eager to give Doncic the reins, he has to share the ball and scoring responsibilities with both James and Reaves, who command the offense in a similar way.
For the most part, the Lakers are expected to trot out a polished version of the offense that got bounced in the first round last season. The Knicks, meanwhile, might revamp their whole attack, giving them an advantage over Los Angeles in preseason rankings. Right now, it’s clear that Doncic is a better player than Brunson. However misguided the trade was that sent Luka to the Lakers, Nico Harrison and the Mavericks had their concerns about Doncic’s long-term availability, which shouldn’t be taken lightly.
If Brunson can make his first All-NBA First Team, the Knicks have a very real shot at winning the title. For the same to be said about the Lakers, Doncic might have to reach a level fans have yet to see and sustain it for an entire season.
