Golden State Warriors: Ranking every Western Conference team

2. LA Clippers

We’ve all had time to laugh and crack jokes at the LA Clippers for blowing a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets. But now, it’s time to get back to reality. This team is still as dangerous as they come.

Kawhi Leonard is only two years removed from his 2019 Finals MVP that capped off one of the greatest individual playoff runs of all-time. While his reoccurring leg injury is something to be concerned about, we can’t overstate how deadly Leonard can be when he’s locked in.

As for Paul George, well, he can’t do any worse than he did last year. Assuming he is able to put his horrid playoff performance behind him, you still couldn’t ask for a much better second option to pair with Leonard.

Meanwhile, the addition of Serge Ibaka will give them some much-needed shooting in the frontcourt. The Clippers have plenty to prove next season, but I wouldn’t bet against them steamrolling opponents if they figure it out.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

Like it or not, the King is still on top. The reigning champs have reloaded with a stacked roster and will be the team to beat next season.

We don’t have to tell you what LeBron James and Anthony Davis are capable of. In addition to being two of the most unstoppable offensive forces in the game, the two showed unparalleled defensive capabilities together in last year’s playoff run.

Barring any major setbacks, James will be back next season at the peak of his intellectual powers. While his athleticism isn’t what it used to be, his vast understanding of the game has only made him more dangerous with a weapon as versatile as Davis next to him.

With a retooled roster consisting of two Sixth Man of the Year candidates, a 3-and-D sniper in Wesley Matthews and a savvy veteran center like Marc Gasol – it’s hard to pick against the Lakers storming to another title.