While it’s far less impressive than their run of five consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals, the Warriors have also won the Pacific Division five times in a row. However, that streak may be in jeopardy heading into the 2019/20 season.
The Warriors figure to be a contender again next season, with perennial MVP candidate Stephen Curry, newly-extended big man Draymond Green, and newly-acquired All-Star D’Angelo Russell leading the way. But the Dubs don’t have quite the same amount of star power that they’ve had in recent years. Kevin Durant is gone. So are veteran stalwarts Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston. And Klay Thompson isn’t expected to be back until sometime after the All-Star break as he recovers from a torn ACL. A step back seems likely.
The Suns appear to be on the right track in their rebuild, and the Kings added some intriguing veteran reinforcements after taking a big step forward last season, but it’s probably safe to assume that the biggest threats to Golden State’s streak of five straight division titles are in Los Angeles.
No Western Conference team has a higher projected win total, according to oddsmakers, than the Clippers. Gambling site BetOnline.ag has the Clips’ regular-season over/under listed at 54.5 wins, and it’s easy to see why — the team essentially replaced Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George this offseason after winning 48 games last season.
Of course, the Clippers aren’t a lock to be a powerhouse. Leonard was limited to 60 games last season and battled an apparent leg injury in the playoffs. George, meanwhile, underwent surgery on both shoulders at season’s end, and isn’t guaranteed to be 100% by opening night. If either of those players is forced to miss extended time, the Clippers’ “under” is probably a safer bet than the “over.”
As for L.A.’s other team, the Lakers have a superstar duo of their own, with Anthony Davis joining LeBron James. Assuming both players stay healthy, the Lakers will be a force to be reckoned with in 2019/20. However, there will be a lot of new pieces besides Davis for new head coach Frank Vogel to incorporate.
DeMarcus Cousins, Danny Green, Avery Bradley, Quinn Cook, and Jared Dudley are among the incoming free agents signed by the Lakers to join returning players like Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
What do you think? Which team will ultimately end up atop the Pacific Division at the end of the regular season? And will that same team make the deepest postseason run, perhaps representing the West in the Finals next spring?
Vote in our poll, then head to the comment section below to share your thoughts!
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I voted Clips but if James does play the 1 that could change things as well as being entertaining. Also GSW will get farther in the playoffs.
I went GSW, strictly on the intangible “heart of a champion” consideration. This will be the first time in a while they’re not the (or one of the) odds-on faves to win the crown. Gonna be interesting to see how they respond.
Their bench is massively better than last year and they’re still going to be the only team headed to the playoffs with 4 elite players.
Win the division? Clippers. Last team standing in the division? Gut says Lakers.
Lakers injury issues seem less severe than clippers. Davis seems the least likely to be on load management. Lakers by 2 games.
Lakers
Clippers
Warriors
Kings
Suns
Clippers
Warriors
Lakers
Suns
Kings
Kings
Kings
Kings
Kings
Kings
while nobody gives DLo any respect. Curry always makes players around him better. How many ex-warriors went on to still all star status? None All 3 top teams needs to gel and play as a team. So its going to be tough to pick any of the top 3 because injuries acn doom anyone of them
1 GSW
2 LAC
3 SAC
4 LAL
5 PHO