With the pandemic forcing the NBA into hiatus, and the season in jeopardy of being cancelled, the league may have to name a champion. Clearly, that champion should be the Los Angeles Lakers. There are many reasons why this should be the case. As we delve into this article we will take a look at biggest reasons why.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Best In The Wild West
Embed from Getty ImagesAs of this moment the Lakers have the best record in the NBA’s much stronger Western Conference. All but one of the top-eight teams in the West are well above .500.
You cannot say the same for their Eastern Conference counterparts. And it’s not just that they have the best record they have dominated their opponents. Los Angeles has the best defensive rating in the Western Conference at 106.43 points every 100 possessions, a mark that’s also the third best in all of basketball. Not only that their margin of victory is second best in the league
When play stopped on March 10, they had amassed a record of 35-4 against a conference that includes the likes of Kahwi Leonard, James Harden, and Nikola Jokic.
Conquering Contenders
Embed from Getty ImagesTo be the best you have to beat the best, and the Lakers have done just that. Moreover, in 2020 they have toppled nearly every top-five team in the NBA.
Just recently they posted impressive wins against the 53-win Milwaukee Bucks and the loaded Los Angeles Clippers. One of the true tests of an NBA champion is whether or not you can play your best basketball against your toughest competition.
However, the Lakers have shone throughout the season they are up for the challenge. But that’s not all that separates them from the others. There is one more big factor that gives them an edge.
Experience Is Everything
Embed from Getty ImagesFinally, the NBA should be crown the Lakers champions because their experience would ensure them a title at the end of the season anyway. Every postseason we get a reminder of how much experience matters.
Furthermore, we’ve seen the aforementioned Bucks shrivel in the playoffs because of inexperience. And the new look Clippers with Leonard and Paul George have only played together as a unit for about 10 minutes.
LeBron James and company may have the most experienced team in the entire NBA. Additionally, nine players in their current 15-man rotation have playoff experience.
Not only that, they have a combined nine world championships between them in over 15 appearances. The Lakers know how to get it done, and would get it done if the playoffs played themselves out.
Therefore, if we don’t finish the season, just send the Larry O’Brien trophy to the Staples Center and be done with it.
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