We've previously analysed the toughest divisions of each conference, but now we look to Hollywood, where the big names will look to return their franchises to the promised land.
Can the Warriors make amends for their disappointing Finals loss, or can the most feared duo of LeBron and Anthony Davis return the Lakers to the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Let's not forget that the Clippers had an off-season for the ages, acquiring Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, to form an unlikely super team.
So who can win it all, and who will struggle in the upcoming season?
Golden State Warriors (last season: 1st, 57-25)
Is the end of the greatest modern day dynasty over, or is there still fight from this Warriors franchise to return to the NBA Finals? On face value, the loss of Durant may be too big a loss for them, given the moves that other rivals in the conference made, and with Thompson missing majority, if not all, of the season, it's a difficult task.
But one thing that is a positive, is Curry can now return to his unanimous MVP form, where he can light up from behind the arc, as well as so far in pre-season, really improving his perimeter defence.
The acquisition of D'Angelo Russell will be an interesting move, and whether or not he and Curry can work together on the offensive side of the ball, both needing the ball in hand.
The weakness for the Warriors, is the injury to Thompson, and whether or not they have the depth to compensate for majority of the year. Past years, it was a known fact of how their bench would deliver on a consistent basis. If the likes of draftee, Jordan Poole, as well as Burks and Marquesse Chris can perform with their second unit, then they will position themselves for another tilt at the Championship.
Prediction: Home Court Advantage
Los Angeles Clippers (8th, 48-34)
What. A. Summer.
For the first time in a long time, even with LeBron and Davis on the cross-town rival, the talk is still surrounding the Clippers, and just how good they can be. Emerging from the shadows to steal the reigning Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George, a finalist in the MVP voting a season ago.
But can the Clippers finally win that elusive Championship?
In a time when the Clippers look the best they've looked on paper since the big three of Griffin, Paul and Jordan, as well as being deeper than that team was, it's still going to be difficult. While the Clippers got better, so did all their rivals in the West, and is now a league full of dynamic duos. While Leonard and George will compliment and better this side, their lack of talent in the paint may be a problem against the big bodies of their rivals.
Harrell and Zubac played well at the end of last season, but their ability to match it on a consistent basis against the likes of Adams, Gobert, Howard, Davis, Capela, Whiteside and the rest of the big bodies, will be a massive test.
Leonard will also miss time throughout the season as his done the past couple of seasons, while George will miss the start of the season, which may result in not finishing as high as they'd like, but giving them the ultimate chance to get their first championship.
Prediction: Home Court Advantage
Los Angeles Lakers (10th, 37-45)
Expectations are at their highest heading into this season, with a refreshed LeBron James, and a prime Anthony Davis, playoffs are a minimum. It's the first time for LeBron that he has had this much time off between seasons, with 201 days since LeBron last played.
Let's not forget, this Lakers side entered Christmas Day against the Warriors in the fourth spot in the west, but then spiralled out of control. Went on to only win 19 games in the season, got injuries and ended up releasing Luke Walton.
A list overhaul was the beginning of the process, as the Lakers traded away the likes of Ball, Ingram and Hart, and acquired pieces that will compliment LeBron and AD. Danny Green will provide some strong perimeter defence, relieving some pressure on James. They addressed their need for strong shooters, signing Cook, Dudley, Bradley and Troy Daniels.
The concern for the Lakers, is health, and their ability to remain healthy in a hopeful deep run in the playoffs. McGee, Davis and Howard have all missed periods of time throughout recent seasons, and will be a key to success this season.
Prediction: Home Court Advantage
Phoenix Suns (15th, 19-63)
The Suns have two cornerstone pieces in their attempt to rise back up the standings, with Booker on the wing, and Ayton in the paint. Yet while these two are their future, they are still at least another piece away from being able to cause a shake-up in the west.
Booker has the ability to hit 40 points any given night, and Ayton is a walking double-double, but will need to do more to get enough wins. The issue is, the Suns' bench doesn't have the ability to be able to score 30-40 points a game, to compliment Booker and Ayton.
Rubio is a handy addition, someone who can lead the offence and involve everyone on the court, whiel Sarci and Baynes will be good additions on both sides of the floor, and add some depth for Ayton. Mikal Bridges will look to take the next step up, while Oubre Jnr. will be dependent on scoring 15-plus a game to ease the pressure on their stars.
Prediction: High Lottery Pick
Sacramento Kings (9th, 39-43)
Let's talk about fun and exciting basketball, and the Kings possess all of that. They move the ball up with pace, with energy and are exciting in the half court, led by their young star, De'Aron Fox, and sharpshooters Buddy Hield and Bogdanovic. Their front court is young, but showed glimpses a season ago of how much of a force they can be, with Marvin Bagley and Harry Giles, but the departure of Cauley-Stein will be sorely missed.
Luke Walton crossed over, after his departure from the Lakers, and will look to install the same game plan, and utilise the strengths of this young roster - athleticism and energy.
Where are the Kings placed heading into the season? Well placed, but it may not be enough with how even placed the league is currently. Their future is strong, but may need another veteran who will be able provide leadership on both ends of the floor.
They're going to be entertaining to watch, exciting in moving the ball, but will just miss the playoffs in a tight western conference.
Prediction: Lottery, but just miss the playoffs.
