The Los Angeles Lakers are widely expected to repeat as the NBA Champions, according to the latest edition of the NBA GM Survey from NBA.com. The Lakers were dominant in the NBA bubble and especially so in the postseason. Despite his gripes, LeBron looks ready to play again already and the Lakers have looked very ready to go in the preseason, going 4-0 and demolishing the Los Angeles Clippers in their first two preseason games without LeBron and AD.
According to the 2021 GM Survey, 81% of the league’s decision-makers believe the Lakers will repeat. LeBron James was also voted as the best small forward in the NBA by 57% of the league’s executives.
All of the above is both a reflection of what the Lakers did in the bubble and the talent they’ve added over the offseason, such as point guard Dennis Schröder, centers Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell, and veteran wing Wesley Matthews.
The Lakers will begin their title defense on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers on opening night.
