3 Reasons why Los Angeles Lakers are favourites to win the 2019-2020 NBA Championship
In a blockbuster trade that has sent shockwaves throughout the NBA early in the offseason, the New Orleans Pelicans traded superstar Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, 3 First Round picks (including the No.4 Pick in this year's draft), and a Second Round pick.
The move was a long time coming as throughout last season, rumours were doing their rounds about Davis potentially signing with the Lakers in the summer.
By pulling off arguably the biggest move of the offseason, the Lakers now have the best odds to win the NBA title along with the LA Clippers, according to several oddsmakers.
Here are three reasons why the Lakers are the favourites to win it all next season.
#3 Lakers' stifling defence
Believe it or not, the Lakers will have a lot better defense than you think. It might even end up being the very reason they win the Championship. On paper, the likes of Danny Green, Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley are known to be strong defenders at the perimeter that have been named in the NBA All Defensive Teams in the past.
Moreover, excellent shot blockers in the form of Anthony Davis, Javale Mcgee and LeBron James himself would make it difficult for the opponents to drive towards the basket, let alone score in the paint. Although, the latter's defence has taken a step back the last couple of seasons.
A major cause for concern could be the fact that except for Danny Green (ranked 19th in the league in total defensive win shares), none of the players mentioned above were even remotely close in the top 50 of the total defensive win shares.
However, on paper, this season should be a huge improvement over the last season where the Lakers had the 13th best defence in the league.