The start of the 2023-24 NBA regular season is just over two weeks away, and it is one that the Los Angeles Lakers hope will serve as a stepping stone to their 18th world championship.
For the first time in a while, they have a strong, talented and balanced roster. They may actually have the deepest and most talented roster, at least on paper, they’ve had in decades.
But the rest of the league has grown stronger as well, and it means Los Angeles is by no means the favorite to win it all. It will likely have to deal with these five teams more than any others to earn banner No. 18.