The 2021 NBA season has officially ended.
It was a very tough beginning with injuries and COVID hampering several teams.
However, the playoffs were excellent, especially the NBA Finals.
This year’s champion came as a big surprise to a lot of us fans.
The Milwaukee Bucks took home the title after six games with the Phoenix Suns.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had one of the greatest Finals performances we have ever seen.
Nobody could envision the Bucks winning a championship, but they ultimately did.
Next season should be a lot different.
The season will go back to its 82-game format and less worrying about COVID.
With the offseason looming, it is fun to take a look at next season’s title favorites.
3. Milwaukee Bucks
The defending champion Bucks are going to look to repeat next season.
50 years in the making!
The @Bucks win their second championship in franchise history! #ThatsGame pic.twitter.com/yNfTmGa1eS
— NBA (@NBA) July 22, 2021
Repeating as champion is a feat that only the best teams can achieve.
Perhaps it can be a step toward a potential dynasty.
The Bucks will most likely bring back the same team from this year.
However, in order to repeat, they must add some pieces to the puzzle.
Next season should be harder with teams tinkering with their rosters and getting healthy once again.
The Bucks do have the arguable best player in the league in Antetokounmpo.
Do not be surprised to see the Bucks back in the NBA Finals next season.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
The previous year’s champions were the Los Angeles Lakers.
Their expectations were to at least get back to the Finals this season.
Injuries ruined all of those hopes.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis both missed time throughout the season.
That led to a seventh seed in the Western Conference.
Their first-round matchup was against the eventual Western Conference champions, the Suns.
Next season can end up being what this year was supposed to be.
The Lakers know they need to upgrade some positions, one of which is the point guard spot.
They are already rumored to be in the hunt for some key names.
“According to sources, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have been on the hunt for veteran point guard, and [Chris] Paul is on the list.”
– via @MarcJSpears pic.twitter.com/3kG7Rgnu6S
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 21, 2021
James is getting older and next season might be his last real shot at a title.
That is why the Lakers are going to be all in for next season.
1. Brooklyn Nets
The favorites for the title this season were the Brooklyn Nets for good reason.
They possessed three legit superstars with all-time levels of scoring talent.
That is why they have to be the favorites for next season as well.
2022 NBA Championship odds, from @BetMGM:
◽️ Brooklyn Nets: +225
◽️ Los Angeles Lakers: +450
◽️ Milwaukee Bucks: +800
◽️ Golden State Warriors: +1200
◽️ Utah Jazz: +1200
◽️ Phoenix Suns: +1400 pic.twitter.com/PDXogma0i9— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 21, 2021
This season could have been their first title as a trio, but injuries in their second-round matchup against the Bucks ruined that.
Barring any injuries next season, the Nets should be up there as one of the top teams again.
Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving are a devastating trio for opponents.
All of them can score at will.
2022 is going to be a full season with the Nets big three together.
That should be a scary sight for the rest of the league.
The favorites as of right now has to be the Nets.
NEXT: Grading Chris Paul's Debut Season With Phoenix Suns