NBA Western Conference Preview: LeBron and Steph are Undeniable

Written By Jake Majka

Welcome to the Happy Hour Hoops NBA season preview. In this article we’re breaking down the western conference, talking about the top 4 contenders in each conference, and presenting the biggest questions for each remaining team. We hope that you’ll follow along this season in this space as we’ll be breaking down the most interesting teams, players and storylines in the league all year. Welcome back fans. Welcome back NBA. Time to rank the Western conference!

Western Conference Power Rankings

1. Los Angeles Lakers

It’s the Lakers, so we should’ve known that even when it seems like they had limited resources and cap space, they were going to make a splash. In one of the most important offseasons in recent Lakers history to maximize their title window with LeBron James, they did not disappoint. The Lakers bring in Russell Westbrook, the NBA superstar with probably the highest volatility of opinion among NBA fans.

But even the biggest Russ skeptic cannot deny that he was incredible at the end of last season for the Wizards. The Lakers also added LeBron’s old buddy Carmelo Anthony who despite popular belief, was not on that banana boat. Melo is coming over after a solid season off the bench for the Blazers averaging 13 points per game and putting up his career-high in three-point percentage.

On top of that, the front office added much-needed shooting and shot creation with Malik Monk, Wayne Ellington, and Kent Bazemore. Dwight Howards and Rajon Rondo return from their sabbatical to provide depth at their respective positions. The roster is one of the oldest in the NBA and Russ and LeBron’s fit remains questionable. But they are two of the smartest players in the NBA and there is a good mix of shooting to maximize their playmaking strengths.

The Lakers are head and shoulders above the rest of the Western conference teams if they can stay healthy. This team is Finals or bust as well.

2. Golden State Warriors

What can we really expect from the Warriors this year? Steph Curry flamethrowers, for one. But also this is an interesting mix of old and new. Stephen Curry is at the height of his powers. He is an MVP favorite and is a must-watch player every single night.

What we’re really all waiting on? The return of Klay Thompson. What will he look like on the floor after two years off because of injury? Can he return close to his all-star form? At worst he will be one of the best shooters in the league and having him on the floor will open lanes for Curry that he hasn’t seen in years. If Klay comes back and is effective, this team is an instant title contender.

Draymond has lost a step but is invaluable to the team’s success on the floor as their floor general. Jordan Poole could be the 6th man of the year if he keeps ascending the way he has been. How much of an impact can rookies Moses Moody and Jonathon Kuminga have? Can they be valuable members to a title contender or are they too green to have an impact? The Warriors NEED them to contribute in a meaningful way. Their length and explosiveness on the wing are something that the team has sorely missed the last two years. A

ndre Igoudala comes back to provide mentorship to the young wings and is an important part of the culture they have built during their championship years. James Wiseman is a wild card, and his contributions could raise the ceiling of this team like the young wings or he could be trade fodder to acquire someone to help them win now.

This team has the floor of missing the playoffs if all goes wrong. But if it goes right? They are a title favorite in the Western conference.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – MAY 21: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2021 Play-In Tournament. **(Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)**

3. Phoenix Suns

Will DeAndre Ayton be on this team by the end of the year? How does his contract status affect the team? This team played with such joy and cohesiveness on their surprise run to the NBA Finals last year. Now, they have paid Booker. Paid CP3. Paid Mikal Bridges. But the team does not want to pay Ayton a max contract, and he wants to be paid like his peers.

The Suns are notoriously a team who doesn’t like to spend over the cap. And that is rearing its ugly head again. This team is built to contend in an inconsistent Western conference and is the biggest threat to Golden State and Los Angeles. Is Robert Sarver willing to risk that all to save a few million and lose a potential All-NBA center, or is this a negotiating tactic and they will match whatever offer comes his way to keep to core together?

How will that affect the team’s chemistry? This could be a mess for a team that should be building on a dream season. I have faith because there is too much talent for them to fail, but the Ayton issue needs to be resolved in a positive way and we have to hope his attitude remains focused on winning.

4. Dallas Mavericks

How far can Luka carry the Mavericks this year? There has been a coaching change and boy is it a doozy. Jason Kidd replaces Rick Carlisle in an effort to appease Luka Doncic. The reality of the situation is that the clock is on for Luka in Dallas.

They need to start building a championship-level team around him, or the discontent from the young superstar will surely start growing. Porzingis and Hardaway have to improve and stay on the floor for this team to succeed. Does Doncic have another level? We will find out this year. And he needs to find it for this team to finally move past the first round and become a true contender.