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Lakers face competition in stacked Western Conference this season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 8:56 PM

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

Lakers face competition in stacked Western Conference this season

Summary

The Los Angeles Lakers will enter the 2026 NBA season with high expectations after overcoming roster challenges. With a revamped squad, the Lakers aim to surpass the 50-win mark set last season. The Western Conference remains competitive, with the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder expected to dominate. The Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves are poised to contend for playoff positioning. New additions, including Luka Dončić and Walker Kessler, are anticipated to enhance both offense and defense, addressing previous inconsistencies. Head coach JJ Redick's approach could further maximize the talent on the roster.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Lakers won 50 games last season, aiming for improvement.
•Oklahoma City and San Antonio expected to be top seeds.
•Key additions include Luka Dončić and Walker Kessler.
•Lakers need to strengthen their bench for success.
•Competition from Nuggets and Timberwolves adds pressure.

Latest Updates

8:56 PMYahoo Sports — How Many Games Will The Re-vamped Lakers Win This Season?

What they're saying

"
The 2026 NBA playoffs gave spectators valuable insight into the league’s future. It’s clear that the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are head and shoulders above the competition. It’s remarkable since they share a generation with Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards, both playoff staples at this point. The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves […] The post How Many Games Will The Re-vamped Lakers Win This Season? appeared first on The Lead.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Lakers Minnesota Timberwolves Oklahoma City Thunder San Antonio Spurs NBA Basketball