Western Conference Standings Prediction for 2020-21 NBA Season

Assessing the Western Conference Landscape

With the NBA season underway, it's time to take a look at the Western Conference and predict how teams will finish in the standings. The West figures to be ultra competitive once again, with several teams expecting to contend for the conference crown.

The Favorite: Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers enter as favorites after winning it all in 2020. Led by perennial MVP candidate LeBron James and All-Star big man Anthony Davis, Los Angeles has more top-tier talent than any other team out West. The addition of veterans like Marc Gasol, Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schröder gives the Lakers the depth and two-way ability to make another deep playoff run.

Other Top Contenders

While the Lakers stand out above the rest, that doesn't mean other teams don't have a shot. The Los Angeles Clippers will be hungry for redemption after last season's playoff collapse. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George give them an elite wing duo capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone. The Denver Nuggets can't be counted out either after their surprising run to the Conference Finals behind the brilliance of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Playoff Hopefuls

In the crowded middle tier, teams like the Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers expect to qualify for the postseason but likely lack the high-end talent to win it all. Donovan Mitchell's leap to superstardom could alter Utah's ceiling. An improved supporting cast around Luka Doncic has Dallas thinking about May basketball again. In Portland, the backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum will keep the Blazers dangerous.

Western Conference Standings Prediction

Factoring in roster changes, player development and teams' overall outlooks and trajectories, here is one prediction for how the final 2020-21 Western Conference standings will shake out:

1. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers should pace the West in the regular season once again. Their chemistry and continuity gives them an edge, while LeBron and AD ensure they have the league's best one-two punch. Another 60-win campaign feels likely.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

Assuming Kawhi loads manages his minutes and stays healthy for the playoffs, the Clippers have the talent to finish near the top out West. George's shoulders will be a concern though, while chemistry issues remain a question mark until we see otherwise.

3. Denver Nuggets

Fresh off a run to the Conference Finals, the young Nuggets now know they have what it takes. Murray should take another step forward, with Porter Jr. also emerging to complement the brilliance of Jokic. This team can beat anyone on a given night.

4. Dallas Mavericks

An improved supporting cast highlighted by Josh Richardson and rookie Tyrell Terry gives Luka Doncic even more help in lifting Dallas higher up the standings. Kristaps Porzingis' health looms large, but the Mavs have enough to secure home court.

5. Utah Jazz

Mitchell is a certified stud, while the Jazz boast the league's best defense. Conley and Bogdanovic missed time in the bubble but with better injury luck this year, Utah should hit their stride come playoff time.

6. Portland Trail Blazers

As long as Lillard and McCollum are healthy, the Blazers can never be counted out. The backcourt duo remains elite while Nurkic and new additions like Covington and Derrick Jones Jr. bolster the supporting cast. Portland seems destined for another first round exit though.

7. Phoenix Suns

One of last season's bubble darlings, Phoenix has an intriguing young core headlined by Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton. Add in veteran leader Chris Paul, and the long-suffering Suns could be playoff-bound for the first time since 2010.

8. Houston Rockets

Losing Russell Westbrook hurts, though getting John Wall in return softens the blow. How Wall looks after missing so much time with injuries is the big question here. Regardless, as long as James Harden wears a Rockets uniform they can't be counted out.

The Rest

Falling outside the playoff mix will be teams like the Warriors, Grizzlies, Pelicans and Spurs. Each has intriguing talents but lack the proven production or continuity to crack the top eight out West.

As always, injuries, trades and other surprises during the season can shake up the final standings. But for now, this projected order seems likely based on the information at hand. It sets up for a compelling battle that could culminate in a Finals rematch between the Lakers and Heat.

FAQs

Who is the favorite to win the Western Conference?

The Los Angeles Lakers are favored to win the West again after claiming the conference title and NBA championship in 2020. Led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they have more top-tier talent than any other Western Conference contender.

What other teams could challenge the Lakers?

The Clippers and Nuggets are the two biggest threats to the Lakers out West. The Clippers are hungry for redemption after last year's playoff exit and have an elite duo in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The Nuggets proved they can play with anyone after their run to the Conference Finals behind Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Which teams are hopeful but unlikely to win the West?

Teams like the Jazz, Mavericks and Trail Blazers expect to make the playoffs but likely lack the high-end talent to get by the Lakers, Clippers or Nuggets in a seven-game series.

Could there be any surprise contenders?

If young players like Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton and Mikal Bridges continue developing rapidly, the Phoenix Suns have an outside shot at making some real noise in the playoffs after adding veteran leader Chris Paul.