2020-21 Predictions: Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the few defending champions in the history of the league that has gone on to seriously improve their roster in the offseason. The acquisition of Montrezl Herrel is huge, not only because he's a great player and 6th man but also because they took him away from one of their top rivals in the Clippers. They've also added veteran guard Dennis Schroder who has proven that he can play solid minutes in this league as well as Wesley Mathews and big man Marc Gasol. The Lakers once again mean serious business and I wouldn't be surprised to see them win it all again this season barring something drastic happens.

2. Denver Nuggets

Coming off of a solid Western Conference appearance, the Nuggets are hoping to take another step forward. Apart from the dynamic duo of Murray and Jokic, the Nuggets greatest weapon is consistency and cohesiveness. They've lost a solid wing player in Jeremai Grant to the Pistons, but they're hoping up and coming star Michael Porter Jr will be able to fill in that role for them. They also will get back Will "the thrill" Barton from injury to start the season which gives them a huge boost when it comes to depth. On top of that, who doesn't love to watch Bol Bol play?

3. Los Angeles Clippers

After an incredibly disappointing end to the season last year, a lot of questions have been asked of the Clippers. They've gotten rid of Doc Rivers and lost Montrezl Harrell to their neighbor, the Lakers. They've signed Serge Ibaka which is a very solid pickup for them, and also picked up Luke Kennard. The Clippers will be under the microscope all season most likely, and any hickup along the way will be blown up by the media. They will have to be strong mentally to be able to get through this season, because they definitely don't lack the talent.

4. Utah Jazz

One of the best defensive teams in the league, the Jazz stay true to their strengths. Always grit and grind on the defense with pop up shooters on the other end apart from the Mitchell Gobert pick n roll. This offseason they picked up Derrick Favors who can play very solid minutes for them. The West is extremely tight this season and I wouldn't be surprised to see some teams with the same record or losing places by just a matter of one win or loss.

5. Portland Trailblazers

With Damian Lillard at 30 years old now and C.J. McCollum not to far off of him, the mindset in Rip City has to be in win now mode. GM Neil Olshey made some solid moves acquiring Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr to try and fill those gaps in the defence, especially at the wing. The blaxers will get Rodney Hood back all season this year if he can stay healthy and picked up Enes Kanter to fill in for Whiteside. With Nurkic back for a whole season this time around, Portland looks as good as they have in a long time and will need to make those defensive adjustments quickly if they want a shot at a deep playoff push.

6. Dallas Mavericks

The only reason I have the Mavs this low is because of the injury to Porzingis. Although I think Doncic is an MVP caliber player that can carry a team, I think the West will be so tight this year that the absence of Porzingis at the start of the season will cost them a couple wins and ultimately have them in sixth. This just makes it a nightmare for whoever finishes third and has to face them in the playoffs in the first round. There's not enough you can say about Doncic and as long as he's healthy, the Mavs have a good chance at making some noise.

Play-In Tournament

7. Houston Rockets

At the time I'm writing this, James Harden is still on the Rockets. If he remains there all season, I don't think the Rockets should struggle too much getting into the playoffs. Harden is one of the best scorers in the history of the game and cause teams so much trouble whenever they face up against him. Christian Wood I think is one of the most underrated acquisitions of the offseason and someone who can flourish this season with consistent minutes. A big question mark surrounding the rockets, besides Harden' status, is the health of John Wall and Demarcus Cousins. These are two injury prone players who are amongst the most talented in their respected positions. New head coach Stephen Silas will have a lot of media to deal with when it comes to James Harden, but has also previously been apart of coaching one of the best offenses in the history of the league last season in the Dallas Mavericks.

8. Golden State Warriors

After the brutal blow of Klay Thompson's injury, the best I can see the Warriors accomplish is fighting for a play-in spot. The additions of James Wiseman and Kelly Oubre Jr certainly help to slow the bleeding but will it be enough in such a talented Western Conference. Draymond Green will also have to perform at the levels of 2015 and 16 and be a solid defender. Steve Kerr is a proven coach who will have to squeeze all the potential out of this team if they want to head into the post-season.

9. Pheonix Suns

America's team throughout the NBA bubble in Orlando. The 8-0 Pheonix Suns. With the addition of Chris Paul and Jae Crowder and the respect of the NBA, the Suns mean business this year. A whole year of Deandre Ayton who missed a big chunk of last season will give them a huge boost for the win column. Ultimately, the Suns are still very young and not as deep as other teams in the west which will be their achiless heel. Still, they'll put up a very promising season and have a chance at the play-in tournament. 

10. New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans, I imagine, will have a similar season to the Suns. Right now, however, the Pelicans don't seem to have direction. There is a lot of talent with Zion, Ingram, Lonzo, Adams, and Bledsoe, but how hungry are these players is the question. They must set a culture down in New Orleans like the one in Miami if the Pels want a chance to make the playoffs. They will also need Zion Williamson to live up to his hype and stay healthy all year.

Eliminated

11. Memphis Grizzlies

12. San Antonio Spurs

13. Minnesota Timberwolves

14. Sacramento Kings

15. Oklahoma City Thunder