The Western Conference in the NBA is looking as fierce as ever, but according to Zach Lowe, only four teams have what it takes to make a serious run to the NBA Finals. Surprisingly, the Los Angeles Lakers aren't on that list.
Lowe, on his podcast, "The Zach Lowe Show," pinpointed Oklahoma City, Denver, San Antonio, and Minnesota as the true contenders. "I don’t see it with Houston, and if this Kevin Durant burner thing is real, God help us all," Lowe remarked. "And I don’t see it with the Lakers, and nobody else is in the conversation."
The Lakers, entering the All-Star break with a 33-21 record, find themselves fifth in the West. While respectable, their defensive struggles could spell trouble against the teams Lowe highlighted.
Last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves ousted the Lakers in five games during the first round, and a repeat performance wouldn't be surprising. Despite their inconsistency, the Timberwolves, sitting sixth with a 34-22 record, have shown potential, having reached the Western Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025. Rudy Gobert’s recent critique of his teammates adds an intriguing layer to their second-half narrative.
The San Antonio Spurs, contrastingly, lack recent playoff experience, not having appeared in the postseason for six years. However, with a 38-16 record, they’re poised to break that streak. Victor Wembanyama has been sensational, yet the question remains whether their inexperience will be a hurdle.
Experience is no issue for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets. The Thunder, reigning champions, lead the West with a 42-14 record, though injuries have slowed their historic pace.
The Nuggets, champions in 2023, find themselves third at 35-20, battling their own injury woes. If healthy, they’re formidable, but continuity remains a concern.
The Houston Rockets, expected to contend, have faced setbacks. Fred VanVleet’s ACL tear and Steven Adams’ ankle injury have been major blows.
Adding to the drama is the alleged Kevin Durant burner account scandal, which has stirred potential locker room tension. Despite a 33-20 record placing them fourth, doubts linger about their ability to challenge the top teams.
In this competitive landscape, the Western Conference promises a thrilling ride to the playoffs, with these four teams leading the charge.