:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1837901/154538572.0.jpg)
The new-look Los Angeles Lakers have been tabbed by NBA general managers to win the Western Conference, according to the annual survey conducted by NBA.com
The survey, which is done prior to the start of each season, was held for the 11th time and featured 57 different questions about the NBA's best players, coaches, fans and offseason acquisitions. The GMs were not permitted to vote for their own teams or players.
Thanks to an offseason that included the acquisition of marquee players Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, the Lakers were also seen as the second most likely team to win the championship, behind the Miami Heat. An overwhelming 86.2% of those asked thought the Lakers had the best offseason. Dwight Howard and Steve Nash were ranked first and second as the players who would make the biggest impact on their new teams.
The sign-and-trade that brought Nash to Los Angeles was seen as the most surprising move of the offseason, according to the survey. Also of note is Kobe Bryant being voted the best at creating his own shot, Nash as the best passer and Howard as the league's best defender.