{"id":156686,"date":"2025-09-04T09:30:31","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T13:30:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=156686"},"modified":"2025-09-04T09:30:31","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T13:30:31","slug":"lakers-contenders-stacked-west","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/09\/04\/lakers-contenders-stacked-west\/","title":{"rendered":"Are the Lakers Still Contenders In the Stacked West?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Lakers head into the 2025\u201326 season with a new look and renewed expectations. This team is now led by Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/a> \u2014 the centerpiece of last year\u2019s blockbuster trade. Over the summer, the Lakers continued reshaping the roster, adding pieces that fit around their star trio of Doncic, Austin Reaves<\/a>, and LeBron James<\/a>. Deandre Ayton<\/a> brings interior presence, Marcus Smart<\/a> adds defensive grit and leadership, and Jake LaRavia<\/a> provides depth and shooting. Each addition was designed to address specific needs and strengthen the roster.<\/p>\n

But the question remains: where do the Lakers actually stand in the crowded Western Conference? Are they in the top tier with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Houston Rockets? Do they belong in the next group of contenders? Or could they end up fighting to stay out of the Play-In Tournament? The Lakers have plenty of competition in the stacked West.<\/p>\n

Are the Lakers Still Contenders In the Stacked West?<\/h2>\n
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Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) moves the ball ahead of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

OKC Sets the Standard In the Western Conference<\/h3>\n

There was no question about the best in the West last season \u2014 it was the\u00a0Thunder, the reigning NBA champions. They finished the year with 68 wins in a stacked conference, all while dealing with injuries at the center position. With their entire core back and now carrying the confidence of a championship, OKC is expected to dominate the West<\/a> once again.<\/p>\n

Denver Reloads for Another Run<\/h3>\n

The most obvious challenger is the Nuggets, who had a strong offseason. They added Cameron Johnson<\/a> and Tim Hardaway Jr.<\/a> to bolster their perimeter shooting. More importantly, they welcomed back Bruce Brown<\/a>, the versatile wing who was a key piece of their 2023 title run.<\/p>\n

And of course, they still have Nikola Joki\u0107,<\/a> arguably the best player in the NBA today. While OKC may be the defending champion, Denver\u2019s continuity and star power keep them firmly in the hunt for Western supremacy.<\/p>\n

Houston Rockets Make a Bold Move<\/h3>\n

The other team knocking on the door of elite status is the Rockets, who finished last season with a 52\u201330 record, good for second in the West. It was a breakout campaign built on defense, athleticism, and the growth of their young core.<\/p>\n

This summer, Houston made perhaps the boldest move of any contender, trading Jalen Green<\/a> and Dillon Brooks<\/a> to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Kevin Durant<\/a>. Even in his mid-30s, he remains one of the most feared scorers in basketball. Surrounded by Alperen \u015eeng\u00fcn<\/a>, Amen Thompson<\/a>, and Jabari Smith Jr.<\/a>, Durant\u2019s arrival instantly gives Houston the star power to compete for a top-two or top-three seed again.<\/p>\n

The Next Group: This Is Where the Lakers Belong<\/h3>\n

The Lakers made several moves this offseason to fit the playing style of their new franchise centerpiece and to address weaknesses from last year. But issues remain. The team still lacks a reliable perimeter defender, as it would be too much to ask of an injury-prone Smart to carry that responsibility every night. Ayton presents another concern \u2014 questions about his work ethic linger, and last season, he played barely half the games for Portland. Add in a shallow bench, and it becomes clear why Los Angeles falls into the next group rather than the elite tier, even with Don\u010di\u0107 and James leading the way.<\/p>\n

In this tier, the Lakers will be battling with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Clippers \u2014 three teams with playoff aspirations but flaws of their own:<\/p>\n