Los Angeles Lakers: 3 reasons they will win the 2020-21 NBA title

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently clinging to their place in the standings, in fifth place in the Western Conference through Tuesday’s (4/13) games. Without LeBron James (ankle) or Anthony Davis (heel) they have slid behind the other West contenders over the past few weeks.

That’s the current reality, but it’s not the path ahead. Anthony Davis is expected to return in the next two weeks, and James a week or two after that. The team is being cautious with its stars, but both are expected back by the time the regular season ends and the postseason begins. With a fully healthy roster, the Lakers will be back to their role as title favorites.

The Los Angeles Lakers are going to win the title

Stating that the defending champions will win the title is hardly bold, but it can’t be assumed. There are multiple hurdles in the Lakers’ way, from injuries to standings to the creation of an offensive super team in the Eastern Conference. Yet when all is said and done, the Lakers are the deserving favorites, and they are going to get the job done and win a second consecutive title.

Last season was unique, with the midseason pause and bubble environment for the playoffs. As all champions do, the Lakers received some lucky breaks during their run to the title, including injuries to their opponents’ stars. Those sort of “breaks” happen for every champion in one way or another; nothing about the Lakers’ run last season was fraudulent or fluky.

Even so, the Lakers will look to prove themselves a legitimate champion once again. LeBron James is gunning for his fifth title in his pursuit of Michael Jordan; Anthony Davis is trying to cement his Hall of Fame case; players such as Dennis Schroder and Montrezl Harrell are looking for a first title. Here are three reasons they will all receive that title when the smoke clears at the end of the season, leaving the Lakers holding the prize.