A new year ahead can only mean one thing: a brand-new set of NBA matchups. Basketball fans are eager to see how their favorite teams and players perform in the wake of 2020. However, in the Western Conference specifically, a few organizations in particular are already predicted to go above and beyond the rest. Here are the top contenders from NBA’s West.
LA Lakers
It’s no surprise that one of the association’s best teams who are tied with the Celtics for most championship titles is also the number one name to watch out for in the 2021 season. Their most recent 106-93 win over Miami Heat this year clinched the organization’s 17th NBA Finals victory. But the Western Conference leaders aren’t done yet.
With new additions Dwight Howard, Montrezl Harrell, and Dennis Schröder among others, the Lakers are poised for complete domination. It’s hard to contend with a roster that lists some of NBA’s most important and influential players on the same page. Although LA will have some continual fierce competition in Denver and Miami, there is little the powerhouse team can’t do. Expert analysts are already making their predictions as OddsChecker provides picks for every face-off up until the day of the first Finals game. All eyes are on LeBron and the Lakers as they attempt to get their hands on yet another championship ring.
The Lakers play at the Staples Center, their home stadium in Los Angeles
Portland Trailblazers
The Trailblazers are set up well for 2021 with key players Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins, and Rodney Hood making their way back from season-altering injuries. Although they are fresh off the bench, all three give an extra push to the team’s defensive line that the Trailblazer’s need to take them to the next level this season.
Unfortunately, the team finished 8th in the Western Conference this past year after losing to the Lakers in the first round of post-season. Although the Trailblazers may not have enough power to cruise past LeBron, they’re listed second because assets like those above as well as talented point guard Damian Lillard are poised for great performances and probably a playoff title.
Denver Nuggets
3rd place Western Conference finishers Denver Nuggets may have lost some vital names on their roster after trades and free agency signings, but still, based on their amazing performance in the Finals, they are a huge threat to LA’s growing dynasty. However, newer rookie talent is looking to take the lead this year with players like R.J. Hampton hoping to shine at the start of his NBA career. With only 19 years of age, Hampton is already being compared to Nuggets guard Will Barton. Big things are expected for the 6-foot-5 point guard in 2021.
Other important additions include JaMychal Green and Facundo Campazzo who were both finely chosen to fill in the needs of Denver’s ever-growing roster. Although Nugget’s management has picked well at the draft this year, all eyes are still on Hampton to prove himself as the elite player everyone has made him out to be.
LA Clippers
Defeated by the Denver Nuggets in the conference semifinals, the LA Clippers suffered an upsetting lost this past season after a 49-23 game record. One of the main reasons they are a main contender for this year’s championship is due to their acquisition of free-agent Serge Ibaka. The Spanish-Congolese power defender has a great record which takes the Clippers to the next level.
Other vital assets include point guard Patrick Beverly, shooting guard Paul George, and small forward Kawhi Leonard. Many believe the Clippers loss to the Nuggets was a total bust as the team secured one of the best defensive lineups in the league. So this season it’s undoubtedly their turn to start and finish strong.
