ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith vehemently believes that the Warriors will retain their NBA crown. While on his show, First Take, the renowned pundit claims that Golden State is the biggest threat to LeBron and the Lakers.
The past season saw the formidable Warriors decimated with injuries. Curry missed the majority of the season with a compromised wrist. Moreover, Thompson suffered a torn ACL in game 6 of the 2019 Finals, and Green was nicked throughout the year. However, barring any injuries this year, Smith posits that Dub Nation will “wreak havoc on the NBA.”
There’s More Than The Lakers Standing in Their Way
For the Warriors to return to the top of the NBA mountain, they have to withstand the arduous Western Conference. Put aside the Lakers for a moment, and the West is still legitimately 10-12 teams deep. Although those aren’t all contenders, it’s a daunting task to ask your superstars to be on their heels night in and night out.
Teams such as the Clippers and Nuggets will be vying with the Lakers for the top spot in the West. LA’s basement resident will seek to jettison their choke-job against Denver and finally make a Conference Finals appearance. The young thoroughbreds on the Nuggets are going to be building off their incredible 2020 playoff run. Max Kellerman, Stephen A’s co-host, dubbed Denver as the biggest threat to the Lakers.
Despite a loaded Western Conference, Smith believes the incredible three-point shooting of the Warriors will be enough. He has religiously proclaimed Steph and Klay as the greatest shooting backcourt in NBA history. He laments that even the Lakers will experience troubles trying to keep up with those prolific marksmen.
Golden State currently has the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, set for Nov. 18. It’s no secret that they are open to trading this pick if the right package presents itself.
The NBA season is set to tip-off Dec. 22, and so the revenge season of the Warriors.
