The Western Conference is loaded with talent. Making the playoffs will be a grind for just about every team not named the Warriors or the Rockets. That includes the LeBron James led Los Angeles Lakers.
In fact, Kevin Pelton of ESPN has LeBron James and the Lakers on the outside looking in on his most recent projected player matchups.
This season's projected playoff teams don't include the new-look Lakers. pic.twitter.com/TeqYtD3or6
— ESPN (@espn) August 3, 2018
LeBron James missing the playoffs is hard to fathom after advancing to eight straight NBA Finals. Of course, James' ridiculous Finals appearance streak came in the weaker Eastern Conference, but it's almost impossible to imagine the NBA playoffs without the world's best player.
But if it is ever going to happen, this might be the year. James is joining a squad with a mix of young talent and older wild cards. He's the only true superstar on the roster at the moment.
Additionally, the West is absolutely stacked this year. There are potentially 14 teams with playoff aspirations. The Warriors, Rockets, Trail Blazers, Timberwolves, Thunder, Jazz, Pelicans, Spurs, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, and even the Mavericks and Grizzlies all have their sights set on a playoff appearance, at the very least.
The Mavericks and Grizzlies chances at securing a playoff spot are certainly speculative at best, but both teams will look to compete this year with exciting young players in tow.
The only two teams that have little to no shot at competing are the Kings and the Suns. That sets up James and his Lakers to be a part of an absolutely brutal race out West.
Follow Us
Subscribe