1-sentence prediction for every Western Conference team in the 2022-23 NBA season

Western Conference stars Stephen Curry & Luka Doncic (Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Western Conference stars Stephen Curry & Luka Doncic (Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
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Western Conference, NBA
Western Conference NBA stars LeBron James and Devin Booker (Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports)

Every group of friends has that one person who’s a complete mess, but they’re beloved anyway. That was the Atlantic Division out East, but here in the West? That would be the Pacific Division: Home to gorgeous weather, superstar talent and dysfunction in ways you’ve never seen before.

Ultimately, it’s fantastic for the NBA product. The Lakers and Warriors alone could fill a 24-hour cycle of sports programming for a cable television network, and oddly enough, there might be two better teams hiding in plain sight. Never before has a team with the best record in basketball been less feared than the Phoenix Suns while the LA Clippers pose as an anomaly across the board. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings are trying to exit the NBA Draft lottery for the first time in 16 years just in time for one of the greatest draft classes we’ve ever seen.

The Pacific Division will make your head spin for the whole year and still come away with an NBA Champion — It’s truly one of a kind.

1-sentence Western Conference predictions: Pacific Division of the NBA.

Phoenix Suns: These vibes are too horrendous for them to be good… right?

Los Angeles Lakers: No one knows—not you, me, LeBron, Pelinka, or the divine powers that be.

LA Clippers: Only team in league history to rest its stars for half the year and still win the title.

Sacramento Kings: Unabashedly excited to be a 10th seed & get killed in the Play-In Tournament.

Golden State Warriors: Elite-tier title contender that really knows how to roll with the punches.