NBA: Top contenders for the scoring title in the 2018-19 season

The NBA off-season saw plenty of roster changes. The King found his new home in the bright lights of LA. Kawhi Leonard moved to a different conference. Carmelo Anthony joined Paul and Harden in Houston. DeMarcus Cousins joined the Warriors to form a starting five consisting of only All-Stars.

This NBA season promises to be another spectacle. There are players who are capable of reaching great scoring heights. The teams will rely on these players to create their own shots and form a bulk of the team's scoring.

With the NBA season almost upon us, let us have a look at the players who are placed in prime positions to win this year's scoring title:

Honourable mentions:

Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant: It is so tough on the other teams that two former scoring title winners and top MVP caliber players are playing in one team. Add three more All-Stars to them and it becomes totally unfair. But playing for such a stacked team also means that both Steph and KD will not be able to stuff the stat sheet.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: Giannis will again be a beast. He will be able to put up great numbers across all categories. But the Greek Freak has not yet shown signs of improving his outside shot. There are other players who are better scorers in the NBA right now.

Russell Westbrook: Another former scoring title holder, the triple-double machine had two consecutive seasons averaging a triple-double. In the 2016-17 season, he averaged a whooping 31.6 PPG while also having a triple-double season. But the addition of Paul George has reduced his scoring load and he may not be able to keep up with the other top scorers.

Other omissions: Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard.

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#3 James Harden

James Harden won the scoring title last season

James Harden and the Rockets had an outstanding regular season last year which paved the path for Harden to win his first MVP.

The reigning MVP and scoring title holder is again poised to have a huge scoring season. He averaged 30.4 PPG last season to go along with his 8.8 assists which are just mind-boggling offensive numbers. He is one of the hardest players to defend on isolation plays in the NBA history.

The D'Antoni system allows his offensive numbers to be stuffed up and his team will again be in contention to be one of the top teams in the west. No one would be surprised if Harden repeats as the scoring champion.

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#2 LeBron James

King James has found his new home

Despite having an All-Round game, LeBron James holds a 27.2 PPG and 7.2 assists per game averages over his entire career.

His 27.2 career PPG average is the fourth highest in the NBA history, only behind Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor.

He also looks to be getting better with age. Last season was perhaps his best offensive season ever with averages of 27.5 Points, 8.6 Rebounds and 9.1 Assists on 54.2 FG%.

The young core of Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart promise a good supporting cast and the Lakers are bound to improve significantly over the previous year. But there are still doubts about who should be the second go-to scorer for the Lakers.

With the spotlight firmly upon him to bring back the glory days of the most glamorous franchise in the NBA history, LeBron James will take the responsibility to score a major chunk of his team's points.

#1 Anthony Davis

The Pelicans will be hugely reliant on their superstar

Last season was a hugely successful one for the New Orleans Pelicans reaching the Western Conference semifinals where they lost to the Golden State Warriors. Their success was majorly down to the play of one man, Anthony Davis.

AD is a top MVP caliber player. He had averages of 28.1 PPG last season. He is only 25 right now and seems to be reaching his prime years.

The loss of DeMarcus Cousins over the off-season means Anthony Davis is the only top scoring option for the Pelicans.

With the West as stacked as ever, if the Pelicans are to repeat their last season's success, Anthony Davis has to emerge with the scoring title and has to be the best player in the association.