The Western Conference landscape has just shifted significantly.
Star player Jalen Williams from the Thunder is set to undergo surgery due to a dislocated left ankle and a fractured fibula. Additionally, Cason Wallace has torn a labrum in his left shoulder and will also need surgery.
This is quite a setback for a Thunder team that many consider a serious championship contender.
On the flip side, this opens the door wider in a competitive Western Conference. The Lakers need to seize this opportunity, as they must push all the chips in this season.
Any trade ideas they had, any draft assets? It’s time to completely dive in to strengthen their squad around Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler.
The Lakers have the potential to be championship contenders.
It’s still early in the season, but they’ve shown some promise.
Doncic is leading the league in scoring with 34.3 points per game, while Reaves ranks eighth with 26.7 points per game. The Lakers boast the highest-rated offense in the league at 125.9 points.
They’re unique in being the only team with two top-10 scorers. Doncic and Reaves together make for the league’s highest-scoring duo, averaging 61 points per game. Plus, Kessler is fulfilling expectations as the team’s defensive leader and center.
Nevertheless, weaknesses are apparent. They lack depth behind Kessler, their defensive rebounding is not good, and they need to improve their perimeter defense. Currently, the Lakers rank 19th defensively, allowing 112.4 points.
If the Lakers can address these issues, they could very well compete against the league’s elite.
The Western Conference is rich in talent. Victor Wembanyama is aiming to guide the Spurs back to the championship. The Timberwolves pose a threat with players like Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, and Rudy Gobert. Then there’s Kevin Durant and Fred VanVleet, who are out to make the Rockets a formidable team.
As for the Thunder, they still have plenty of talent. Last season, they went 39-10 without Williams. With two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on board, they remain a strong contender. However, injuries and their offseason roster moves, including trading Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe, have left them thinner on the wings and weaker defensively.
This scenario paves the way for the Lakers, who have historically struggled against the Thunder.
Last season, Los Angeles was unable to beat the Thunder, losing all four matchups by an average of 29.3 points and getting swept in the playoffs’ second round.
This season feels different for the Lakers.
LeBron James has departed, and Doncic is now at the helm. They’ve brought in nine new players over the summer. That said, it remains clear that the Thunder were a significant challenge for them—perhaps still are.
However, with the Thunder’s recent injuries, one of the Lakers’ toughest opponents has become less formidable. This makes the Lakers’ ascent in the Western Conference a bit more achievable.
There’s a slight opening.
And the Lakers should definitely make the most of it.
