NBA Western Conference Projections: Lakers Aim for Third, Warriors Eye Eighth
Despite divergent offseasons, both Los Angeles and Golden State face uphill battles in a talent-laden Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, two prominent franchises in the Western Conference, have navigated distinct offseasons, leading to differing expectations for the upcoming NBA season. The Lakers have significantly retooled their roster around Luka Dončić, acquiring Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ziaire Williams, Jaden Hardy, and Cameron Carr. In contrast, the Warriors have largely maintained their existing core. A notable development for both teams was missing out on LeBron James, who departed the Lakers after eight seasons to join the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.
The Lakers, champions in 2020, are striving to regain their championship form following the acquisition of Dončić in February 2025. Meanwhile, the Warriors, who established a dynasty by winning four titles between 2015 and 2022, are focused on maximizing the remaining years of Stephen Curry's career in an increasingly younger and faster league.
Lakers Projected for Third Seed
The Lakers are predicted to secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. The top two spots are anticipated to be held by the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, teams described as having no apparent weaknesses, boasting youth, superstars, depth, and strong defensive capabilities. While the Lakers have bolstered their roster to become younger and deeper, they are not yet considered on par with the elite teams in the West. The team is identified as needing an elite perimeter defender and time for new acquisitions to gel before being viewed as true contenders.
Potential challenges for the Lakers include teams like the Denver Nuggets, who experienced a disappointing offseason after a first-round playoff exit, losing key players such as Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown. The Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, with the additions of LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga, are also considered a significant threat. The Houston Rockets, who underwent substantial changes after being ousted by the Lakers in the previous postseason, are another team to watch, especially with the expected return of Kevin Durant from injury and Fred VanVleet. The Lakers themselves will feature a largely different starting lineup, with only Dončić and Austin Reaves returning from the previous season.
Achieving a third-place finish would represent a considerable success for Dončić, who is eager to lead the Lakers to a championship and silence his critics. The organization's championship legacy places immense pressure on the team to contend for a title.
Warriors Slated for Eighth Seed
The Golden State Warriors are projected to finish at the No. 8 seed, making them a fringe playoff team. Despite previous pursuits of high-profile players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden, the Warriors' efforts to re-establish themselves as contenders have not materialized. The league is often considered more engaging when the Warriors are performing well, thanks to the skills of Curry, the defensive intensity of Draymond Green, and the coaching of Steve Kerr.
Curry, who will be nearing 39 next season, remains one of the NBA's top players and was an All-Star starter for the oldest point guard in league history last season. The Warriors are expected to explore trade options before the deadline to revitalize their performance. However, with key players like Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody facing injuries that will cause them to miss the start of the season, the team is not anticipated to make significant noise early on.
Despite these challenges, a healthy core of Curry, Green, and Kristaps Porziņģis could make the Warriors formidable. Their previous play-in performance against the Clippers, where Curry scored 35 points, Green contained Kawhi Leonard, and Porziņģis contributed 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists, demonstrated their potential. The addition of Butler and Moody could further enhance their competitiveness.
However, current concerns about the Warriors' health and durability, coupled with the emergence of younger, faster teams, place them lower in the projected standings. Teams like the Thunder, Spurs, Lakers, Timberwolves, Rockets, Nuggets, and Mavericks are expected to be stronger.