Boston had a league-leading 123.2 offensive rating last season, and their offensive efficiency after the All-Star Break — when the league cracked down on touch fouls — was a staggering 12.1 points better than anyone else. Combining the regular season and playoffs, they went 80-21 — tied for the seventh-best record of all time.

The Los Angeles Times' NBA crew takes a look at championship contenders, which teams will meet in the NBA Finals and who will win the major awards.

Last season: 49-33, 3rd in Eastern Conference Last time ... The Bucks reached the second round of the playoffs was 2022, settling for a pair of disappointing first-round exits since then.

On Friday evening, the Golden State Warriors finished the preseason when they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers by a score of 132-74. They finished the preseason

The Los Angeles Lakers took on the Golden State Warriors in their final preseason game on Friday and it ended up being a night to forget. The Warriors crushed the Lakers 132-74 and NBA fans had some interesting reactions to the contest.

After five games on the road, the Los Angeles Lakers finished their preseason slate against the Golden State Warriors. Given that it was their final preseason game, head coach JJ Redick opted to rest his starters and give the younger players on the roster more run.