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
