The case for an inclusive list of NBA contenders

Recent history suggests being broader with your sense of contenderhood is the right move.

Good morning. Let’s basketball.

The L.A. Lakers beat the Milwaukee Bucks in a fairly important showdown (at least according to the players involved) on Thursday night. L.A. controlled most of the game until Milwaukee made a late push; LeBron hit a dagger three to put it away. (LeBron, by the way, had one of his best games of the season, which is saying s…