Less than 400 miles south of Oakland, the site of the NBA’s last dynasty, the Lakers are building a new palace of power. The Warriors were one win from a fourth title in 2016 before LeBron James rallied the Cleveland Cavaliers from a 3-1 deficit to a historic comeback and championship. Injuries toppled the Warriors’ run of five straight Western Conference titles last year as Kevin Durant fled to the Eastern Conference and Golden State finished last. The west was “wide open” as a result, Lakers coach Frank Vogel said Sunday during a videoconference. AdvertisementTheir success means the Lakers are the new standard bearers for the NBA, Davis said, as the defending champions acquire a target on their backs.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 18, 2021 01:34 UTC