Fool's Gold or Not? Let's Assess Celtics, Lakers and Nuggets
The Celtics: A Case for Contention
The Boston Celtics enter the 2023-24 season as one of the favorites to win the NBA championship. They have a young, talented roster led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart. They also have a strong supporting cast, including Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, and Al Horford.
The Celtics have been one of the most consistent teams in the NBA over the past few seasons. They have made the playoffs in each of the past seven seasons, and they have reached the NBA Finals twice in that span.
However, the Celtics have not been able to get over the hump and win a championship. They lost to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals in 2022, and they were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs in 2023.
The Lakers: A Team in Transition
The Los Angeles Lakers are in a state of transition. They traded away Russell Westbrook in the offseason, and they are now led by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Dennis Schroder.
The Lakers are still a talented team, but they have a lot of question marks. James is entering his 20th NBA season, and Davis has been hampered by injuries in recent years.
The Lakers also have a lot of new players on their roster, and it is unclear how they will all fit together. They have added Patrick Beverley, Lonnie Walker IV, and Damian Jones, but it is unclear if they have enough talent to compete for a championship.
The Nuggets: A Rising Star
The Denver Nuggets are a rising star in the NBA. They have made the playoffs in each of the past four seasons, and they reached the Western Conference Finals in 2023.
The Nuggets are led by Nikola Jokic, who is one of the best players in the NBA. Jokic is a triple-double machine, and he is capable of carrying a team deep into the playoffs.
The Nuggets also have a strong supporting cast, including Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon. They are a young, talented team with a lot of potential.
Conclusion
The Celtics, Lakers, and Nuggets are all contenders for the NBA championship in 2023-24. The Celtics are the most experienced team, but the Lakers and Nuggets have more star power.
It will be interesting to see how these three teams perform during the regular season and the playoffs. The Celtics are the favorites, but the Lakers and Nuggets have the potential to surprise.