As I sit down to analyze this season's NBA championship landscape, I can't help but feel the electric anticipation that comes with a fresh campaign. Having followed professional basketball for over fifteen years and written extensively about championship contenders, I've developed a particular methodology for evaluating teams' championship credentials. The early season has already provided some fascinating data points, particularly regarding the Los Angeles Lakers' impressive 2-0 start, which has certainly caught my attention and deserves deeper examination.

When I look at championship contenders, I always start with roster construction and chemistry. The Lakers have managed to retain their core while making some subtle but important additions that appear to be paying immediate dividends. Their perfect record through two games isn't just about wins - it's about how they're winning. The defensive cohesion they've demonstrated, holding opponents to just 98.5 points per game on 42% shooting, suggests this isn't the same team that struggled defensively at times last season. From my perspective, defensive identity is what separates good teams from championship teams, and the early returns here are genuinely promising.

What really stands out to me about the Lakers' start is their offensive efficiency. They're shooting 48.7% from the field and an impressive 38.2% from three-point range, numbers that would represent significant improvements over last season if maintained. Having watched Anthony Davis evolve over the years, I believe this could finally be the season where he fully embraces the leadership mantle. His early averages of 28.5 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game are MVP-caliber, and if he maintains this level throughout the season, the Lakers become a completely different proposition in the playoffs. The supporting cast, particularly the improved shooting, creates the spacing that makes this team so dangerous.

Now, let's talk about the broader championship picture because the Lakers certainly aren't the only contenders. The defending champions in Denver remain formidable, Milwaukee has made significant changes, and Boston's roster looks deep and versatile. But here's where my personal bias might show - I've always believed that championship experience matters tremendously, and the Lakers have it in abundance. LeBron James in his 21st season might not be the same physical specimen he was a decade ago, but his basketball IQ and clutch gene remain unparalleled. I've witnessed countless playoff series where his experience proved decisive, and that's not something you can quantify with advanced analytics.

The Western Conference presents a particularly challenging path this season, with at least six teams I consider legitimate contenders. The Lakers will need to navigate this minefield while managing the health of their key players, especially given LeBron's age and AD's injury history. From what I've observed in previous seasons, the teams that peak at the right time often have the advantage, and the Lakers' 2-0 start suggests they might be ahead of schedule in terms of cohesion and execution. Their early success against quality opponents gives me confidence that they've addressed some of the issues that plagued them last season.

When I compare this Lakers team to previous championship squads I've covered, the formula feels familiar - superstar talent, quality depth, and emerging role players who understand their responsibilities. The addition of reliable three-point shooting addresses what I considered their biggest weakness last season. Having analyzed championship teams for years, I've noticed that the most successful ones typically have at least four players averaging double figures while maintaining defensive intensity, and the early statistics suggest the Lakers are trending in that direction.

Of course, it's dangerously early to draw definitive conclusions. We're only two games into an 82-game marathon, and injuries, slumps, and unexpected developments will inevitably shape the championship picture. But based on what I've seen so far, the Lakers have positioned themselves as serious contenders. Their performance metrics, particularly their net rating of +12.3, would put them among the league's elite if maintained throughout the season. The way they're closing games - with poise and execution - reminds me of championship teams I've studied in the past.

As we look ahead to the remainder of the season, I'll be watching several key indicators for the Lakers and other contenders. Player health remains the great unknown variable that can derail even the most promising campaigns. The development of their younger players could provide the unexpected boost that often separates good teams from great ones. And the trade deadline always presents opportunities for contenders to address weaknesses. Based on my experience covering the NBA, teams that start strong often maintain that momentum, and the Lakers' perfect record gives them valuable cushion as they navigate the inevitable rough patches.

In my professional assessment, the Lakers have demonstrated enough in these early games to warrant serious consideration as championship contenders. Their blend of star power, depth, and improved shooting creates a profile that historically succeeds in the playoffs. While other teams certainly have compelling cases, the Lakers' combination of experience and apparent improvements makes them particularly dangerous. The journey to the championship is long and unpredictable, but from where I sit, the Lakers have positioned themselves as legitimate threats to claim the Larry O'Brien trophy come June. Their 2-0 start isn't just about wins - it's about statement-making performances that suggest this could be a special season in Los Angeles.