Los Angeles Clippers
After a disappointing finish last season, leading to the Denver Nuggets in the conference semifinals, the LA Clippers seems to enter the 2020-21 season slightly better than they were several months ago.
Ibaka, a defensive improvement over Harrell, is their key acquisition. Ibaka is expected to be able to stretch the floor and also brings an extra layer of championship experience to the club, something that no one else other than Kawhi Leonard has.
It isn’t necessarily ideal to pay Marcus Morris $64 million over four years to replace JaMychal Green. However, Luke Kennard is a good option and the rest of the team is still intact. They go on to be one of the most talented teams. Especially if new head coach Tyronn Lue can help to bring out their best, it is necessary for them to come back in the title picture in a more serious mind.
Los Angeles Lakers
The defending champion LA Lakers managed to shore up a needed position by signing Dennis Schroder and replaced Green by trading for Wesley Matthews. They also swapped out two of their big men, including Howard and JaVale McGee, if not substantial, at least upgrades in Gasol and Montrezl Harrell.
The Lakers are now just waiting for the re-signing of Anthony Davis, who is still precisely pondering what type of contract he wants to sign.
With their such a position, betting against the LA Lakers at this point would be foolish.
Atlanta Hawks
In a tight-knit race with the Washington Wizards and Orlando Magic, the Atlanta Hawks deserves one spot in this list.
While their defense (27th in the last season) may not see a meaningful improvement, their offense (26th in the last season) surely should. The Atlanta Hawks have prepared to employ a starting unit of Young, Hunter, Kevin Huerte, Cam Reddish, John Collins to potentially Young, Bodganovic, Danilo Gallinari, Collins, Clint Capela. That seems to be more firepower.
It will be close, but the Hawks are well prepared to take the next step.