With the Warriors dynasty now comfortably in the rearview mirror, a new question has loomed over the NBA for much of the last two seasons: who exactly is the best team in the league?
The Lakers didn’t earn their respect until the 2020 Finals after the Clippers and Bucks faded in the bubble. The Lakers entered 2020–21 as the prohibitive favorites, yet as we approach the All-Star break, it’s hard to declare LeBron and Co. undisputed favorites. A certain Big 3 looms in Brooklyn. A potential MVP center is dominating in Philadelphia. The Lakers’ Staples Center rival remains a title contender, as does a regular-season juggernaut in Utah.