STEVE Nash sees the Lakers getting much better next season, although he believes Kevin Durant will stay with the Warriors and help sustain the dominance.
"I think Golden State's still the favorite. The Lakers will be much better, they have four really good young players," Nash, player development consultant for the Warriors, told sportingnews.com.
"But they are 21 years old, I think you need to give them time to develop. It might be a little early for them to compete for the championship this year.
"Next summer they will be a year older. So the Lakers have the exciting time coming up."
While the 33-year-old LeBron James has been surrounded by the Lakers with 32-year-old Rajon Rondo, 30-year-old Javale McGee and 29-year-old Michael Beasley, the squad has Lonzo Ball, 20, and 21-year-old players Moe Wagner, Brandon Ingram and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk.
"The Lakers will be very good again, LeBron will elevate the franchise, and I think it's a very exciting time."
The new season has yet to start and already talk is about next season’s signings, but Nash believes Durant will not go anywhere despite links of a move to Los Angeles.
"I know Kevin very well. I think a lot comes down to him on how is his life, how is his everyday, not just basketball, if he is happy and content, the environment in Golden State, brand new stadium, living in the area.
"I think it would be strange for me to predict at this point that he would leave. I think he would probably stay, but you never know what happens next year," Nash said.