The LA Lakers picked up the NBA title of 2020 last month when they were victorious against the Miami Heat in game six of the finals. But already attentions are turning to the next championship. The excitement is building ahead of the NBA 2021 season, and rightly so. There will be a lot of competitive teams battling it out for the title, and proceedings will likely go down to the wire. Between now and then, NBA fans will be not just using the downtime to enjoy other forms of gaming.
LA Lakers
The LA Lakers start as favorites because they will, of course, be the defending champions in 2021. So, many feel they are likely to repeat the feat. As everyone knows, Lebron James is a Laker. And, any team with King James in their team has a fantastic chance of success, because he can get them over the line. It’s also worth noting that Anthony Davis is another jewel in their crown. The Lakers have the capabilities, but the depth beyond their star men is questionable.
LA Clippers
The Clippers are a NBA team everyone is backing to come to the fore in terms of the title. But, the coming season may be too soon, with the campaign after perhaps more realistic. In terms of their squad, they have the talent, as well as the depth, to compete. The Clippers can turn to their bench to bring in the likes of Lou Williams, who can immediately add something on the court. The pressure is on for the team to realize its ambitions, especially with a couple of key players having options to leave in a couple of seasons’ time.
Milwaukee Bucks
If the Lakers didn’t triumph against the Heat, it would have been the Bucks starting as favorites for the 2021 NBA title. The Bucks have everything they need to mount a challenge, and to be successful in the said challenge. League MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is in their ranks, and they have strength and quality within their squad. Add this to the most formidable defense in the league, and you can see why many fancy them to go all the way next season. The stumbling block for the Bucks is, of course, the playoffs. And this must change in 2021.
Brooklyn Nets
When you talk about the Brooklyn Nets, you will always mention superstars such as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. They’re fantastic players, and crucial to any side with the ambition to push for a title. However, the Nets were without both last season. Durant did his Achilles, while Irving needed surgery to fix a shoulder issue. The Nets still made the playoffs, and this shows the strength of the squad and the mentality within. The pair will be ready for the 2021 campaign, so the Nets will be stronger and ready to challenge. But there are concerns over Durant and how the injury has affected his ability to perform.