The Lakers enter 2021-22 as the presumed favorites in the Western Conference after their offseason blockbuster, but this could be one of the most competitive races in recent memory as the West searches for a counterpart to either Brooklyn or Milwaukee.
The Jazz and Suns are healthy and ready for a shot at Los Angeles’s superteam, while healthy squads in Denver and Golden State come playoff time could add further intrigue to the mix. Perhaps Kawhi Leonard comes back for a run with the Clippers, and maybe Luka Donu010diu0107 and the Mavericks arrive as real contenders ahead of schedule.