This year, the NBA Finals were quite surprising. Two of the least expected teams at the beginning of the season reached the finals. Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns were both underdogs in this year’s finals prediction. But both reached the finals and the Bucks under Giannis Antetokounmpo won their second-ever championship.
After seeing the 2021 NBA Draft and all the trades and new signings, we can expect the unexpected next season as well. There were many significant trades and signings that are crucial to determining the outcome of the next season.
Possible NBA finals contenders emerge after tread deadline
After all the trades and signings that took place this off-season, many new forces have emerged in the NBA. especially in the east, the Brooklyn Nets Big 3 have to watch out for Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls. Both these teams have made severe upgrades and formed their own Big Threes. Nonetheless, Brooklyn Nets probably have the most lethal trio seen in recent years and they are yet to put up their best.
In the West though, the Los Angeles Lakers now hold the most power. After acquiring former MVP point guard Russell Westbrook, the Lakers now have a Big 3 of Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.
Their competition lies in Denver Nuggets who have reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, and Phoenix Suns who beat them in the playoffs. However, the LA Clippers might up their game as they have two very dangerous players, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. If their team chemistry kicks in, which they lack currently, they are a threat to everyone in the league.
Trust that I’m going to keep pushing forward.
Because that’s the only way to come back.
Learn more about my road to recovery with @kpthrive and find the care you need to bounce back at https://t.co/7Hhtszf1Qg #KPpartner pic.twitter.com/FIDFCcqbCL— klay thompson (@KlayThompson) May 24, 2021
The biggest danger to the Lakers in the west is Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. The warriors didn’t make any huge trades this off-season, but they rounded up their lineup well after signing veteran Andre Iguodala. He has played and won three championships with Golden State and knows the team inside-out.
Two young promising draft picks Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are the newest addition to Golden State’s roster. Most importantly, the Warriors have their All-Star phenom Klay Thompson returning next season which makes them an offensive giant.
Also read: Luka Doncic Signs Record Rookie Supermax Extension With The Dallas Mavericks
Lakers vs Nets: The biggest possible final showdown
After the trade deadline, the LA Lakers are west coast kings and Brooklyn Nets is the big boss in the east. Both teams have a minimum of three All-Stars in their starting five. After getting Russell Westbrook, the Lakers have now secured an efficient point guard that they were badly in need of.
James and Davis were big on offence but when they were on the bench, there was no one to carry the team. Westbrook can lead the Laker’s offence irrespective of James and Davis being on the court with him.
Announce Russ?
Why Not? pic.twitter.com/Lhz34UlO1U— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 7, 2021
In 2019 free agency, Brookly Nets made a move that left the players and fans in utter disbelief. Free agents Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving decided to team up and take their talents to Brooklyn. As of 2021, the Nets made another shocking move and acquired James Harden in a trade deal with Cleveland and Houston in January. Just two months later, All-Star forward Blake Griffin made headlines as he was also headed to Brooklyn to join the already overpowered roster.
Despite having a godly starting five, the Nets failed to make it to the finals due to an injury-riddled season for Kyrie Irving. Moreover, the Nets Big 3 didn’t get a lot of playing time together and thus lost to the Bucks in round 2 of the playoffs.
Lakers faced similar problems as their centre Anthony Davis picked up a groin injury during playoffs against the Suns. LeBron James single-handedly carried the team for the rest of the series without much help which ultimately led to a loss.
The journey in Brooklyn has just begun.https://t.co/mPRzYCoEX7
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) August 8, 2021
However, everyone from both teams is now fully healthy and ready for season take-off. The Lakers have now formed their own Big 3 to even themselves with the Nets. Both franchises clinch their spots as the top two strongest teams entering the 2021-22 season. If they perform like they are expected to based on their prowess, we can expect a Lakers vs Nets NBA finals series.
Also read: Golden State Warriors Can Make A Lethal Comeback Next Season