NBA champions since LeBron's 2020 title built through drafts, trades
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 8, 2026, 1:00 PM
Last updated Jul 8, 2026
Since LeBron James led the Lakers to an NBA championship in 2020, the last six champions have primarily assembled their rosters through drafting and acquiring players other teams have released. The Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, and Boston Celtics achieved success without signing established free agents. The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are highlighted as teams that have built strong lineups through such strategies, with both franchises positioned as favorites heading into the 2027/28 season.
- •Last six NBA champions built teams largely through drafts.
- •Teams like Thunder and Spurs maintain strong rosters through smart acquisitions.
- •No reliance on top free agents seen in recent championships.
- 1:00 PMYahoo Sports — Since LeBron’s 2020 Lakers title, the last six NBA …
"Since LeBron’s 2020 Lakers title, the last six NBA …
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