The 2024 NBA season has been one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several teams expecting to make deep playoff runs. However, for some teams, the playoffs have been a disappointment. Here are five teams that need major changes if they fall short in the playoffs:
Los Angeles Lakers
: The Lakers have been one of the most enigmatic teams in the NBA in recent years. They captured a championship in the 2020 bubble but have been mediocre outside of that. LeBron James is a free agent this summer, and the Lakers may need to consider letting him walk to build around Anthony Davis.
Cleveland Cavaliers
: The Cavaliers have a talented young core, but they need to make some changes to their backcourt. Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell are both talented offensive players, but they are not a good defensive fit together. Cleveland would be better off trading one of them for a defensive-minded forward.
Miami Heat
: The Heat have been one of the most consistent teams in the NBA over the past few years, but they have struggled to make a deep playoff run. Jimmy Butler is getting older and more injury-prone, and he needs a legitimate secondary shot creator to share the responsibility with. The Heat should trade for a player like Donovan Mitchell or Bradley Beal.
Phoenix Suns
: The Suns traded for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in 2023, but the results have been disappointing. The three stars have not been able to fit together seamlessly, and the Suns lack the physicality and athleticism to compete with the top teams in the league. Phoenix needs to trade one of their star players, preferably Durant or Beal.
Milwaukee Bucks
: The Bucks have been one of the most dominant teams in the NBA over the past few years, but they have struggled this season. They need to acquire as many perimeter defenders as they possibly can, as they had one of the worst point-of-attack defenses in the league this year. The Bucks might have to trade Brook Lopez or Khris Middleton to free up space that can be used to address the defense.
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