Isiah Thomas and National NBA Writer predict Lakers' NBA Finals appearance.

NBA TV analyst Isiah Thomas believes that the top seven teams in the Western Conference should fear the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James, as no team wants to face them in the first round of the playoffs. The Lakers have improved significantly since trading for D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley, and have been one of the best defensive teams in basketball. With James back from injury and a deep and well-balanced roster, the Lakers could have a chance at winning a championship this season or next.