Who is the Best NBA Team Right Now?
The National Basketball Association season is in full swing, and several teams want to break a long ringless drought. Some are stacked with superstars, and others have a group of young up-and-coming players with a big upside. But which team is the best? Here are some of the top contenders for this year’s playoffs.
The Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most successful and popular professional franchises in all American sports. They have won 17 Basketball Association of America (BAA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) titles, tied in league history with their rival Boston Celtics.
The team won its first NBA championship in 1972 and 16 more in the 1980s. The Lakers featured players such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Jerry West during that time.
After Riley departed in 1989, the Lakers struggled in the early 1990s but then went on a remarkable run during the late 1990s led by superstar duo O’Neal and Bryant. Along with Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson, the Lakers won three straight titles between 2000 and 2002.
The Miami Heat
The Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1988. They won 15 games in their first season but improved significantly over the next three years.
They earned a playoff spot in 1991-92, losing to the Chicago Bulls. They again advanced to the postseason in 1993-94, but the Atlanta Hawks beat them.
After that, the Heat benefited from the free agency of Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. But LeBron James left the team to return home to Cleveland Cavaliers, and they failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2014-15 in a weak Eastern Conference.
In the past, Miami Heat has been one of the most successful teams in the NBA, with three championships. They also have a loyal fan base that never misses an opportunity to watch their team play.
The Boston Celtics
Boston is one of the biggest sports cities in America, and TD Garden always hosts a lively atmosphere. The Celtics are known for their toughness and resilience, making them one of the best teams to watch.
The team has 17 NBA championships and is considered a symbol of Boston. Their brand is famous worldwide, and their rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers is one of the most heated in the league.
The Celtics are currently the best team in the NBA, and they have maintained their lead even as their rivals in the Eastern Conference gain ground. The Milwaukee Bucks have won five straight games and are just 2.5 games behind the top-seeded Celtics, while the Philadelphia 76ers have won eight of their past 10.
The Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are currently one of the best teams in the NBA. They have an impressive roster with players like Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Eric Bledsoe.
They also have Chris Paul, who can distribute the ball and command an offense. He has led the league in assists five times and can lead an offense and any point guard in the game.
The Suns started the season 1-3, but they have since won 18 straight games. They are now 46-7 overall and the highest-ranked team in the Western Conference.
The Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are among the most popular teams in the NBA and have a long history of success. They are also home to some of the greatest basketball players.
The team first moved to Sacramento in 1985 and had a strong fan base during its early years. However, they struggled to make the playoffs for many years.
They eventually began making a turnaround in the 1998-99 NBA season. They were able to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons. This was thanks to the arrival of a new group of players, including Jason Williams, Chris Webber, and Vlade Divac.