1. Los Angeles Lakers

As long as Anthony Davis stays healthy, they will be championship contenders for many years.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

After the way last season ended the only way to erase that memory is to make it to the Finals and win. Do they have it in them?

3. Phoenix Suns

Adding Chris Paul puts them in the ‘most interesting team to watch’ category in the Western Conference.

4. Golden State Warriors

Not having Klay Thompson does diminish the thought of contending for a title, but if Stephen Curry is healthy this roster has some good complimentary pieces in place.

5. Sacramento Kings

It is clear that De’Aaron Fox is the face of this franchise. Now will the rest of the roster take the next step with him?

Head Coach: Frank Vogel

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: G Dennis Schroder (Oklahoma City), F Montrezl Harrell (LA Clippers), C Marc Gasol (Toronto), G Wesley Matthew (Milwaukee)

Starting Lineup: G Dennis Schroder, G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, F LeBron James, F Anthony Davis, C Marc Gasol

Head Coach: Tyronn Lue (LA Clippers – assistant)

Key Position: Forward

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: C Serge Ibaka (Toronto), G Luke Kennard (Detroit), F Nicolas Batum (Charlotte)

Starting Lineup: G Patrick Beverley, G Paul George, F Kawhi Leonard, F Nicolas Batum, C Serge Ibaka

 

Head Coach: Monty Williams

Key Position: Forward

Key Rookies: F Jalen Smith

Key Acquisitions: G Chris Paul (Oklahoma City), F Jae Crowder (Miami)

Starting Lineup: G Chris Paul, G Devin Booker, F Mikal Bridges, F Jae Crowder, C Deandre Ayton

Head Coach: Steve Kerr

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: C James Wiseman

Key Acquisitions: F Kelly Oubre Jr. (Phoenix), G Brad Wanamaker (Boston)

Starting Lineup: G Stephen Curry, G Andrew Wiggins, F Kelly Oubre Jr., F Draymond Green, C James Wiseman

Head Coach: Luke Walton

Key Position: Forward

Key Rookies: G Tyrese Haliburton

Key Acquisitions: C Hassan Whiteside (Portland)

Starting Lineup: G De’Aaron Fox, G Buddy Hield, F Harrison Barnes, F Marvin Bagley, C Richaun Holmes