The Los Angeles Lakers are the 2020 NBA champions, blitzing though the bubble playoffs with a 16-5 record and finishing off the Miami Heat in six games in the NBA Finals.
Now what?
As the league enters an offseason of more uncertainty, we’re taking a way-too-early look at where all 30 teams stand heading into the 2020-21 season.
Note: These rankings are based on which teams voters (a group of more than 40 reporters, insiders and editors) think belong higher heading into next season, taking into account potential player movement and the draft. Title odds for 2021 were provided by Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill.
MORE: LeBron and the Lakers fought heartbreak to win the Finals
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2019-20 record: 52-19
Result: NBA champions
2021 title odds: +325
LeBron James and Anthony Davis have delivered the franchise’s 17th championship banner to the rafters. Now GM Rob Pelinka will look to maintain a championship-contending roster around James. First priority is Davis, who can opt out and get a raise. Markieff Morris, Jared Dudley, Dwight Howard and Dion Waiters are free agents. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Avery Bradley, JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo all have a player option for 2020-21. Pelinka has the $9.3 million midlevel and $3.6 million biannual exceptions to use. The rest of the West will only get better, but the Lakers will defend their title with the best superstar tandem, a second year with head coach Frank Vogel and hopefully no bubble to contend with next season. — Ohm Youngmisuk
2. LA Clippers
2019-20 record: 49-23
Result: L, West semifinals
2021 title odds: +400
After watching the Clippers’ collapse to the Nuggets, Steve Ballmer decided not to risk another disappointing finish. Doc Rivers took over in Philly and the Clippers are searching for a new head coach, with Ty Lue and Jeff Van Gundy among the candidates. While the front office will explore the trade market, the Clippers probably will find it difficult to significantly upgrade the roster. They’ll look to re-sign free agents Montrezl Harrell, Marcus Morris Sr. and JaMychal Green. Lou Williams has an expiring contract, but the Clippers don’t have any first-round picks to dangle. The next coaching staff will have to get the best out of this championship-caliber roster in need of a playmaking point guard and leader. — Youngmisuk
3. Milwaukee Bucks
2019-20 record: 56-17
Result: L, East semifinals
2021 title odds: +600
After finishing with the best record in the regular season for the second straight season but failing to reach the Finals, the biggest question surrounding this team is what’s next for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year has a big decision to make — and so do the Bucks, as they’re expected to offer him a supermax extension. If they do sign him to the extension, changes will also need to be made to the roster to ensure more playoff success. — Eric Woodyard
4. Denver Nuggets
2019-20 record: 46-27
Result: L, West finals
2021 title odds: +2000
After making history by authoring two comebacks from 3-1 series deficits on their way to the conference finals, the Nuggets’ next step is to win the West. They have playoff experience and two bonafide…
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