Earlier this week, we previewed the Eastern Conference and some of the kicks you’ll be seeing on court this season. Today, we’ll take a look at the Western Conference and what you can look forward to seeing this season.

The Favorites
OKC Thunder – Even with the recent loss of Sixth Man of the Year James Harden to the Rockets, the Thunder still have to be considered the favorites to come out of the West as they are led by scoring champ Kevin Durant, newly signed Jordan Brand PG Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins down low. Throw in the additions of Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb and the young Thunder team is poised to make another run.

LA Lakers – The Lakers made the biggest headlines in the off-season acquiring perennial all-star Steve Nash and top big man Dwight Howard to join superstar Kobe Bryant. Throw in Metta World Peace and Pau Gasol and the Lakers have arguably the most talented starting five in the league. It will take some time to gel together but the Lakers will be co-favorites with the Thunder to take the West if they can remain healthy.

The Contenders
San Antonio Spurs – Every year critics say this will be the year that the Spurs will decline, yet Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili continue to prove the doubters wrong. With Gregg Popovich at the helm the Spurs will always be in contention barring major injury and this year will be no different.

LA Clippers- With all-stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin leading the way the Clippers are primed to make a run after a year of experience playing together. With the veteran additions of Lamar Odom and Grant Hill they shave the talent to be a top 4 team in the West and be a scary playoff team.

Memphis Grizzlies – If healthy, the Grizzlies will be another team in the mix to make some noise in the playoffs this year. Mike Conley Jr., Zach Randolph and Rudy Guy make up a solid group that can no longer sneak up on team’s anymore.

Denver Nuggets – Andre Iguodala was a nice off-season acquisition. Coach George Karl always has his team’s prepared. And Ty Lawson, Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari have another year of experience. The Nuggets should be right there all season and if healthy have the potential to make a run in the West playoffs.

Dallas Mavericks – Star Dirk Nowitzki is a year older and running mates Jason Terry and Jason Kidd are now gone, but with the acquisitions of Chris Kamen, OJ Mayo and Elton Brand the Mavericks cannot be overlooked in the West.

The Pretenders
Minnesota Timberwolves – Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio are a nice duo, but the T-Wolves are still a few players away from making any real noise in the West.

Houston Rockets – Kevin McHale brought in two up-and-coming stars in Jeremy Lin and James Harden to be the core of the team into the future. The Rockets will certainly be fun to watch, but there will definitely be some growing pains along the way.

Portland Trail Blazers – Veteran LaMarcus Aldridge is one of the most underrated players in the league and will lead a good young core in Damian Lillard, Meyers Leonard and J.J. Hickson but the Blazers will have tough time contending in the loaded Western Conference.

Utah Jazz – The Jazz have a talented inexperienced front line in Enes Kanter, Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward. With additions Randy Foye, Mo Williams and Marvin Williams to go with mainstays Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson the Jazz have the talent to be a playoff team.

Sacramento Kings – Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins and 1st round pick Thomas Robinson should have Kings fans excited about the future of team. Whether or not that will be in Sacramento remains to be seen.

Golden State Warriors – The Warriors have a few potential all-stars in Stephen Curry, David Lee and Andrew Bogut. Unfortunately their roster isn’t filled with much else.

Phoenix Suns – The Suns are in rebuilding mode after unloading veterans Steve Nash and Grant Hill. They’ll build around their solid front line; Luis Scola, Michael Beasley and Martin Gortat, but we don’t see them competing this year for a playoff spot.

New Orleans Hornets – They will be an exciting to watch with 1st overall pick Anthony Davis, Austin Rivers and Eric Gordon, but they are still a few years away from contending.

Western Conference Kicks on Court Gallery

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