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

1. Lakers still have the league’s best defense

The previous slide highlighted the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense, and how multiple defense-first options were swapped out to juice their scoring. What that would seem to imply is that the Lakers are now an offense-first team, sacrificing defense to increase offense.

That simply isn’t true. The Lakers this season have the league’s top-ranked defense, allowing just 105.9 points per 100 possessions. They are a full point ahead of the second-place Philadelphia 76ers, and further from the 10th-place LA Clippers than the Clippers are from the 29th-ranked Portland Trail Blazers.

Marc Gasol is one of the league’s very best post defenders, and he brings the Lakers a strong rim-protecting presence. Andre Drummond, although he has his foibles, is similarly a large body inside. The collection of wings and forwards cycled through are plus defenders, including the impressive development by Kyle Kuzma.

Of course, the combination of LeBron James and Anthony Davis is still devastating. Davis’ ability to guard centers in the post and switch out on the perimeter is unique, coveted across the league. When paired with James, the ultimate free safety, the Lakers generate turnovers and have the versatility to morph and adjust to stop what their opponents are doing.

The adage that “defense wins championships” is cliche and overly simplistic, but it’s no question that an elite defense helps. The Lakers have one of those, alongside freshly-stocked offensive weapons and the best pair of stars in the league. With a  versatile roster brimming with championship experience, the Lakers are set up to repeat as champions and win the 2020-21 NBA title.