The OKC Thunder are officially the team to beat after winning the 2025 NBA Championship, and it appears the vast majority of teams out west are doing everything in their power to secure the conference crown for themselves come 2025-26.
For the reigning second-seeded Houston Rockets, their approach to try to edge out Oklahoma City is by adding extra star power to their arsenal by acquiring Kevin Durant via blockbuster trade.
The LA Clippers, meanwhile, have been quite busy in free agency, adding several established All-Star players to their roster, with the signing of Chris Paul being their latest splash.