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1. They have the best defensive player in the league.
2. LeBron is still really good.
3. They have a great starting 5 that complements AD and LeBron very well.
4. They have more wing and backcourt depth than in previous seasons.
5. They just made the WCF with mostly the same group and have more continuity now than they did then.

Post-deadline Lakers were pretty impressive, and LeBron hasn’t really shown signs that he’s on the complete decline just yet.

I’ve been thinking the same thing. The media has had them so high but I don’t see it. Lebron is old and injury prone, AD has a big history with injuries himself too. That leaves you with AR and Russel as your next 2 guys. Which I don’t know if AR can step up to that role yet. And with the new participation rule this season they won’t get any “load management” games. If they can remain healthy I can see it but I’m just unsure at this point.

Yea as much as I think Lebron is still a top player he does not look like the athletic freak we are used to seeing and unless AD takes over I don't have much confidence in their team. Their bench is so overrated outside of Gabe/Rui/Prince they are not as deep as people seem to think for the regular season.

I think that's gotta be the 10th time in a row someone's said that over the course of the last 20 years

They just came off conference finals. Makes sense.

Lakers were playing some of the best basketball to end the season and they got better in the off season. I despise them and hope they go 0-82 but they are going to be good.