The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers are two of the NBA's marquee franchises, but both suffered disappointing and embarrassing seasons that saw them finish at the bottom of the league in 2015. Both have long rebuilding projects ahead of them, but both fan bases expect their team to win a championship sooner rather than later. Which team will return to the top of the NBA the quickest?
Case for the New York Knicks
New York had a lot of cap space this summer, but instead of overpaying for someone that could put them in a bad cap situation later, they brought in the best defensive center on the market in Robin Lopez and one of the best two-way guards available in Arron Afflalo. Neither player will make a big difference this year, but they are pieces any contender needs.
It remains to be seen what rookies Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant will develop into, but the Knicks do have a solid base now surrounding All-Star Carmelo Anthony. If they can convince another superstar to join the team in the loaded 2016 free agency class, the Knicks will suddenly shoot to the top of the Eastern Conference.
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Case for the Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have two young cornerstones in Julius Randle and D'Angelo Russell, but have little else to offer. Kobe Bryant is in the last year of his contract and has hinted at retiring after the season, and with Roy Hibbert's expiring contract, they are going to have the most cap space in the league next summer.
Los Angeles is expected to have another down season this year, which means another top five or top ten pick will be on the roster, adding to their young core. That young core will need some time to develop, and the Lakers are counting on bringing in multiple superstars in free agency next year to boost them back to the top of the West in 2016.
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Verdict:
The Knicks have started bringing in the proper building blocks to build a championship team, and with a superstar already on their roster (even if it's Carmelo), they don't have as far to go. Considering the Lakers are banking their future success on their ability to bring in top free agents - something they've been unable to do the past few years - the Knicks are much closer to contending for a title than the Lakers are.
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