Who Will Be the NBA Futures Outright Winner This Season?

As I sit here watching the Lakers improve to 2-0 with another convincing victory, I can't help but think this team might just have what it takes to win it all this season. Now I know what you're thinking - it's early days, the sample size is small, and we've seen promising starts fade before. But having followed this league for over fifteen years and analyzed countless championship contenders, there's something different about this Lakers squad that makes me believe they could be holding the Larry O'Brien Trophy come June.

Let me break down what I'm seeing. The Lakers haven't just won their first two games - they've dominated in ways that championship teams typically do. In their season opener against Golden State, they won by 12 points while shooting 48% from the field and holding the Warriors to just 42%. Last night's victory over Phoenix was even more impressive - a 15-point margin where they outrebounded the Suns 52-44 and dished out 28 assists. These aren't just empty statistics - they're indicators of a team that's clicking on both ends of the floor. What really stands out to me is their defensive intensity. I've rarely seen a Lakers team this locked in defensively this early in the season, and it reminds me of their 2020 championship run when defense became their identity.

From my perspective as someone who's studied NBA championship patterns, the teams that win titles typically have three key elements: superstar talent, defensive capability, and depth. The Lakers are checking all these boxes in ways I didn't expect. Anthony Davis looks like the MVP-caliber player we saw in the bubble, averaging 28.5 points and 13 rebounds through these first two games. LeBron James, while managing his minutes, is still contributing 24 points and 9 assists per game. But what's really caught my attention is their supporting cast. The new acquisitions are fitting in seamlessly, and the returning players look more comfortable in their roles. I've got to be honest - I was skeptical about their offseason moves, but early returns suggest the front office might have known exactly what they were doing.

Now, I'm not saying the championship is theirs to lose - far from it. The Western Conference is absolutely stacked this year. Denver looks formidable with Jokic playing at an otherworldly level, Phoenix has incredible offensive firepower when healthy, and Golden State can never be counted out with their championship pedigree. But here's what gives me pause about those other contenders: Denver lost some key bench pieces, Phoenix has injury concerns with their aging stars, and Golden State's defense has looked vulnerable. The Lakers, meanwhile, appear to have addressed their weaknesses from last season. Their three-point shooting, which was abysmal at times last year, has improved to 38% through two games. Their bench scoring is up significantly. These might seem like small sample size quirks, but having watched every minute of their games, the improvement looks sustainable.

What really stands out to me, and this is purely my opinion based on years of observation, is their chemistry. You can see it in how they communicate on defense, how they share the ball, how they celebrate each other's successes. Championship teams need talent, but they also need that intangible connection that can't be manufactured. The 2020 Lakers had it. The 2016 Cavaliers had it. The current squad is showing early signs of developing that same bond. I remember talking to former players who always emphasized that championship chemistry either exists or it doesn't - you can't fake it. This group seems to have it.

Let's talk about the Eastern Conference for a moment, because ultimately that's who the Lakers would face in the Finals if they get there. Milwaukee looks strong with Giannis, Boston has reloaded, and Philadelphia has MVP Joel Embiid. But here's my take - and I know some will disagree - none of those Eastern teams scare me as much as the top Western contenders do. The East feels more top-heavy, while the West has multiple legitimate championship-caliber teams. If the Lakers can navigate the Western Conference playoffs, I like their chances against whoever comes out of the East.

I should mention the health factor, because that's always the wild card. LeBron James is 38 years old, though you wouldn't know it from how he's moving. Anthony Davis has his injury history. But the way head coach Darvin Ham is managing their minutes early gives me confidence they're thinking long-term. They're not chasing regular season records - they're building toward playoff readiness. That's smart coaching, and it's something championship teams do.

Looking at the broader picture, the NBA landscape feels more open than it has in years. There's no clear superteam like we've seen in recent seasons. The championship is truly up for grabs, and based on what I've seen through these first two games, the Lakers have as good a shot as anyone. Their combination of star power, defensive capability, improved shooting, and depth makes them a legitimate threat. Are they guaranteed to win it? Of course not. But would I be surprised if they did? Not at all. In fact, if they maintain this level of play and stay healthy, I'd put them among the top three favorites right now. The season is long, and many things can change, but the early returns suggest the Lakers might just be building something special.