2026-27 NBA Pacific Division Preview: Lakers, Suns, Clippers, Warriors, Kings

Strengths: Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves lead the charge. With LeBron James now in Philadelphia, the Lakers have shifted their focus to Dončić, a consistent MVP contender, and Reaves, who just had his best season yet and proved to be a potent offensive threat.

Both players excel at attacking the basket, drawing fouls, and creating opportunities for teammates. Dončić’s exceptional passing combined with his scoring makes for a formidable duo. Last season, the Lakers scored efficiently when Dončić and Reaves were on the floor together without LeBron, and that momentum should carry forward.

Additional Positives: Walker Kessler, though an expensive acquisition, is expected to significantly improve the team’s defense by protecting the rim and rebounding effectively. Sandro Mamukelashvili’s quick moves and shooting ability offer offensive relief to Dončić and Reaves. The wing rotation, especially Cameron Carr's blend of shooting and athleticism, adds versatility.

Main Concern: Defense remains uncertain. Despite Kessler’s presence and additions like Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams, the Lakers must elevate their defensive performance to reach their potential. Their defensive schemes will be intriguing to watch during preseason, particularly how they balance switching and traditional coverage.

Other Issues: The team isn’t as athletic as some Western Conference rivals, which may present challenges in intense matchups. Also, the offense relies heavily on Dončić and Reaves to initiate plays, raising questions about depth and starting lineup configurations, especially at power forward.

Lineup to Watch: Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić, Walker Kessler. This combination features strong defense around the key playmakers, with Reaves guarding weaker perimeter opponents and Dončić taking on the power forward role.

Best Case Scenario: Securing the No. 1 seed. Dončić could have a genuine MVP campaign, supported by a high-powered offense and improved defense, allowing the Lakers to rack up many wins.

Worst Case Scenario: Falling into the Play-In Tournament. Losing either Dončić or Reaves for significant time, or underwhelming defense, might leave the team vulnerable to finishing outside the top playoff spots.

Phoenix Suns

Strengths: A strong defensive identity. Last year, the Suns impressed with aggressive backcourt pressure, full-court defense, and effective double teams. Dillon Brooks leads this effort with All-Defensive level intensity, supported by Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, Ryan Dunn, and Rasheer Fleming, who bring energy and disruption off the bench.

Additional Positives: Devin Booker continues to be a versatile offensive force, balancing on- and off-ball roles. Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach provide promise in the center position, and Goodwin is a quietly valuable contributor on both ends, including reliable three-point shooting.

Main Concern: Opponents adjusting to their style. Last season caught many teams off guard, but this year the Suns won’t surprise anyone defensively. How teams respond in boxing out and switching will test Phoenix’s effectiveness. The development of young players like Jordan Ott is also a question.

Other Issues: Jalen Green’s scoring bursts help ease pressure on Booker, but inconsistent decision-making and defense remain concerns. The Suns’ passing lacks fluidity, which could be exposed against tougher defenses. Mark Williams’ shoulder surgery sidelines him for much of the season, weakening their frontcourt depth.

Lineup to Watch: Collin Gillespie, Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Ryan Dunn, Khaman Maluach. This group offers shooting, creation, defense, and rim protection along with strong offensive rebounding.

Best Case Scenario: Finishing as the No. 6 seed. Defensive growth, sustained possession dominance, player development, and a strong season from Booker could place the Suns comfortably in the playoffs.

Worst Case Scenario: Missing the Play-In Tournament. Opponents adapting to their defense, scoring regressions, and increased competition could push them just outside the postseason bubble.

Los Angeles Clippers

Strengths: Darius Garland as the leader. Known for elite pull-up shooting and excellent passing, Garland's control of the offense brings hope for faster pace and more dynamic play compared to past seasons.

Additional Positives: The roster’s young talent intrigues, including Keaton Wagler’s driving skills, Yanic Konan Niederhäuser’s solid contributions, and Kobe Sanders’ impressive rookie year. Kris Dunn’s tenacious defense remains a highlight, especially when paired with Derrick Jones Jr. Rui Hachimura adds much-needed shooting.

Main Concern: Health uncertainties loom large. Brandon Ingram’s partial Achilles tear and Garland’s toe injury pose risks that could severely impact the team’s success.

Other Issues: The young big men need to step up, but Brook Lopez still anchors the defense. Gradey Dick’s inconsistent three-point shooting caps his potential impact despite his passing skills. Rebounding was a weak spot last year, ranking near the bottom in both offensive and defensive boards, and improvement is necessary.

Lineup to Watch: Darius Garland, Keaton Wagler, Jordan Miller, Kobe Sanders, Yanic Konan Niederhäuser. This mix offers shooting, secondary playmaking, and space for pick-and-roll action.

Best Case Scenario: Claiming the No. 10 seed. If Garland and Ingram stay healthy, their combined skills with supporting shooters and defenders could produce a respectable win total in the high 30s to low 40s.

Worst Case Scenario: Ending near the bottom of the West. Injuries or lack of cohesion could result in struggles, leaving young players like Wagler burdened.

Golden State Warriors

Strengths: Stephen Curry remains a marvel. His unparalleled shooting, movement, and chemistry with Draymond Green keep the Warriors dangerous. The familiar Split action offense will continue to be a staple.

Additional Positives: Yaxel Lendeborg adds versatile two-way capabilities. Gary Payton II provides valuable bench contributions as a screener and playmaker. The team maintains depth and experience.

Main Concern: Injuries. Curry and Green have missed significant games recently, and others like Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Moses Moody face health issues, all threatening consistency.

Other Issues: Green’s shooting struggles create offensive challenges. The drop-off behind Curry in playmaking is steep. Defensive rebounding remains a weakness, potentially forcing them to rely heavily on forcing turnovers.

Lineup to Watch: Stephen Curry, Brandan Podziemski, De'Anthony Melton, Yaxel Lendeborg, Draymond Green. This lineup blends small-ball versatility with high offensive upside.

Best Case Scenario: Securing a Play-In Tournament spot. Healthy key players and contributions from younger pieces could keep them competitive, especially if Butler and Porziņģis return later in the season.

Worst Case Scenario: Missing the playoffs entirely. Aging stars and injuries might limit their ability to compete effectively.

Sacramento Kings

Strengths: Rookie Darius Acuff’s creativity stands out. His confident ball-handling and scoring make him an exciting prospect to watch develop.

Additional Positives: A youthful group featuring Keegan Murray’s underrated defense and shooting potential, Nique Clifford’s hustle, and the center tandem of Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell offering energy and rim protection. Veteran Domantas Sabonis brings stability and elite playmaking, while Ben Simmons, returning to action, provides intriguing possibilities.

Main Concern: Defensive consistency. Despite having some strong individual defenders, the Kings may struggle defensively and need to build better habits to become competitive.

Other Issues: The futures of Sabonis and Zach LaVine are uncertain, both important for scoring and leadership. Acuff’s inexperience means occasional reckless plays. Questions remain about who will stabilize the offense and how frontcourt minutes will be allocated, especially alongside Simmons.

Lineup to Watch: Darius Acuff, Nique Clifford, De’Andre Hunter, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis. This lineup balances youth and experience, aiming to foster offensive flow and some defensive grit.

Best Case Scenario: Missing the Play-In but showing clear progress. Acuff pushes for Rookie of the Year, young players improve, and trades clear cap space to embrace rebuilding fully.

Worst Case Scenario: Finishing near the bottom with little direction. An inefficient season from Acuff, stagnation among young players, and off-court uncertainty could deepen struggles and threaten coaching stability.