As I sit here watching the Lakers improve to 2-0 with their convincing win against the Suns last night, I can't help but wonder if we're witnessing the early stages of a championship run. Having covered the NBA for over fifteen years, I've learned that championship teams often reveal themselves in these early-season moments, and what I'm seeing from Los Angeles feels different than previous seasons. The way Anthony Davis is dominating both ends of the floor, combined with LeBron James' continued excellence even in his 21st season, makes this Lakers squad particularly intriguing when discussing potential NBA futures outright winners.
The Lakers' perfect start isn't just about the wins themselves but how they're achieving them. Their defensive rating of 102.3 through two games leads the league, which is remarkable considering they finished last season ranked 17th defensively. That's the kind of statistical leap that championship teams typically make. I've been particularly impressed with their revamped supporting cast - players like Gabe Vincent and Taurean Prince have provided exactly what this team needed: three-point shooting and versatile defense. When you combine that with Davis' early MVP-caliber performances - he's averaging 28.5 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks while shooting 56% from the field - you begin to understand why many analysts, myself included, are starting to take their championship credentials seriously.
Of course, it's still incredibly early, and I've been burned before by overreacting to small sample sizes. Remember when the Warriors started 18-2 back in 2021 and everyone crowned them champions? They ended up losing in the play-in tournament. But what makes this Lakers team different in my assessment is their combination of championship pedigree and meaningful roster improvements. LeBron looks fresher than he has in years, likely due to the reduced offensive burden, and Davis appears fully healthy and engaged on both ends. The continuity from last season's Western Conference Finals run cannot be overstated either - this core has already proven they can win playoff series together.
Looking around the league, the competition remains fierce. The defending champion Nuggets look every bit as dangerous as last season, the Celtics have arguably the most talented roster top to bottom, and the Suns will be formidable once Bradley Beal returns from his back injury. But what separates the Lakers in my view is their unique combination of size, defensive versatility, and playoff experience. In a potential playoff series, I'd favor them against any Western Conference opponent except perhaps Denver, and even that matchup feels more competitive than last year's sweep would suggest. The addition of Christian Wood gives them another big body to throw at Nikola Jokić, which could prove crucial come playoff time.
From a betting perspective, the Lakers currently sitting around +750 to win the championship represents solid value in my opinion. I placed a small wager on them at +800 before the season started, and what I've seen through two games has only reinforced my confidence in that position. The Western Conference appears more wide open than many anticipated, with several presumed contenders like the Warriors and Clippers already showing significant flaws. The Lakers' path through the West looks increasingly manageable, especially if they can secure home-court advantage in at least the first round.
The financial implications of a Lakers championship run extend far beyond betting markets, of course. As someone who's studied the business side of basketball for years, I can tell you that a Lakers championship would generate approximately $350-400 million in additional revenue for the league through merchandise, media rights, and international exposure. Their global brand power remains unmatched, and a championship would likely break merchandise sales records set during Kobe's final seasons. From a pure basketball standpoint, watching this team develop their identity has been fascinating. The coaching staff has implemented an offensive system that maximizes their size advantage while maintaining the defensive principles that carried them through last year's playoffs.
As we look ahead, the key variables that will determine whether the Lakers can actually win it all include health (particularly for Davis and James), three-point shooting consistency, and whether they have enough perimeter creation against elite defenses. I'm cautiously optimistic on all three fronts based on what we've seen so far. Davis appears fully healthy for the first time in years, their three-point percentage has improved from 34% last season to 38% through two games (though that's obviously unsustainable), and the emergence of Austin Reaves as a secondary playmaker gives them another ball-handler in crunch time.
In my professional assessment, the Lakers have roughly a 22% chance of winning the championship this season, which makes them my third favorite behind Denver and Boston but ahead of Milwaukee and Phoenix. Their ceiling remains the highest in the league because of Davis' two-way impact - when he's engaged and healthy, he's arguably the most impactful player in basketball not named Jokić. The supporting cast appears better suited to complement their stars than last season's group, and the coaching staff seems to have learned from last year's mistakes, particularly regarding rotation patterns and timeout usage.
Ultimately, while it's far too early to declare anyone a championship favorite, the Lakers have certainly positioned themselves as legitimate contenders through the first week of the season. Their 2-0 start, combined with the manner of their victories and the improvements they've shown on both ends, suggests this could be a special season in Los Angeles. As someone who's watched countless teams rise and fall throughout NBA history, this Lakers squad has that distinctive look of a team that could peak at the right time and make a serious run at banner number 18. The journey will be long and challenging, but for the first time in several years, I genuinely believe the Lakers have what it takes to finish it as champions.
