Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking their top championship threats

The Los Angeles Lakers are on pace to seriously contend for an NBA championship, though they will have to face some tough rivals to get there.

Whether most people expected it or not, the Los Angeles Lakers are playing at an elite level this year. Now, sitting on a record of 45-12, they are on pace to have the fifth-best record in Laker history, an accomplishment that speaks for itself given the gravitas of this historic franchise.

Here is a stat that will help make sense of the greatness in this organization. The Lakers are now 10 years without a single NBA Finals appearance. This is now the longest stretch this fanbase has gone without the joy of watching basketball in late May/June.

Their last championship was won by Kobe Bryant and co. and one cannot think of a better reason for these Lakers to play with a chip on their shoulders.

Regardless of the organization’s impressive history, the team’s chances rely solely on the competition they are set to face in the 2020 postseason. As always, things are about to get rough for LeBron James and co.

With many teams making numerous moves during the past 12 months, we are witnessing a completely different league than last season. The Eastern Conference, always set for big-time surprises, versus the wild-wild West, where one weakness can cost you a season.

With that being said, here are the biggest rivals for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they begin their quest for the ultimate prize, the long-wanted NBA Championship.