Who Will Win the Western Conference in the NBA?

The Western Conference in the NBA is always a close race, but this year there are a few teams that stand out. Who do you think will take home the title?

Los Angeles Lakers

Their recent acquisition of Anthony Davis

The Los Angeles Lakers made a splash in the NBA offseason by acquiring Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans. The 6-foot-10 All-Star forward gives the Lakers a dynamic duo alongside LeBron James, and Los Angeles is now one of the favorites to win the Western Conference.

The Lakers finished last season with a 37-45 record, missing the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year. However, they were able to land the No. 4 overall pick in the draft, which they used on Duke forward Zion Williamson. Los Angeles also added veteran center DeMarcus Cousins in free agency, giving them one of the most talented rosters in the league.

With James and Davis leading the way, the Lakers are expected to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference. They will have to contend with other contenders like the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets, but Los Angeles has enough talent to make a run at the conference title.

Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are looking like they will take the Western Conference again this year. They have a strong lineup and they have been playing well together. They also have a lot of experience in the postseason.

Their injuries

The Warriors have been plagued by injuries this season, with several key players missing extended periods of time. Star point guard Stephen Curry has missed most of the season with a broken hand, while Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney have also missed significant time. The team has been forced to rely on younger players and journeymen to fill the void, and it has taken its toll. The Warriors currently sit in last place in the Western Conference, with a dismal record of 12-45.

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are currently on a roll. They have won 10 games in a row and are looking like the team to beat in the Western Conference. The Rockets are led by James Harden, who is averaging 30 points per game. Houston also has a very deep bench and a great coach in Mike D’Antoni. The Rockets have a very good chance of making it to the NBA Finals this year.

Their recent acquisition of Russell Westbrook

The Houston Rockets have been one of the best teams in the Western Conference for the past few years. They have made it to the Conference Finals three times in the last four years, but have always come up short against the Golden State Warriors. This off-season, they made a big splash by acquiring All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

With Westbrook joining forces with James Harden, the Rockets now have two of the best players in the NBA. They also have a lot of depth and talent on their roster. The question is, can they finally get over the hump and win the Western Conference?

Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the Rockets are going to be one of the teams to beat in the West next season.

Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets have been one of the most pleasant surprises in the NBA this season. They are currently leading the Western Conference with a record of 49-22. They have been led by their star players, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Let’s take a closer look at why the Denver Nuggets will win the Western Conference.

Their lack of experience

The Denver Nuggets made a surprise run to the Western Conference Finals last season, led by their young core of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Gary Harris. However, that young core will be tasked with leading the team back to the Conference Finals this season without the services of veteran Paul Millsap, who signed with the division-rival Utah Jazz in the offseason. The Nuggets also lost key reserve Will Barton to the Portland Trail Blazers.

While the Nuggets do have some valuable experience on their roster in the form of third-year players Malik Beasley and Monte Morris, as well as veterans like Mason Plumlee and Torrey Craig, they will be lacking in playoff experience compared to other contenders in the West such as the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Warriors and Rockets each have multiple players who have been to multiple NBA Finals, while the Thunder have been to at least the Conference Finals in three of the last four seasons.

The Nuggets will also be facing a tougher schedule this season, as they will have games against each of the other teams that made it to the Conference Finals last season. They will also have road games against tough Eastern Conference teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers.

The loss of Millsap and Barton will hurt the Nuggets’ chances of returning to the Conference Finals this season, as they lack both experience and depth compared to other contenders in the West.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers have been one of the best teams in the NBA this season. They have a great mix of young talent and experienced veterans. They also have one of the best coaches in the league. The Western Conference is going to be a tough battle, but the Portland Trail Blazers have what it takes to win it all.

Their recent acquisition of Hassan Whiteside

The Portland Trail Blazers have been on a tear lately, thanks in large part to their recent acquisition of Hassan Whiteside. The 7-foot center has given them a big boost in the middle, providing a much-needed rim protector and rebounder.

With Whiteside in the lineup, the Blazers have gone 18-4 since February 1st, which is the best record in the NBA over that span. They’ve also climbed all the way up to 3rd place in the Western Conference standings, and they look like a serious contender for a deep playoff run.

The biggest question mark for the Blazers is whether or not they can keep up this level of play in the playoffs. They’ve looked like a completely different team since Whiteside arrived, but it’s always tough to predict how teams will perform in the postseason. If they can stay hot and continue to play at a high level, there’s no reason why they can’t make a run at the Western Conference title.