Western Conference
Grizzlies
Good: The Grizzlies were able to make it into the 8th seed and out of the Play In-Tournament. The team is one of the most exciting teams with Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Zach Edey has developed nicely into a starter his rookie year playing well into the playoffs, despite losing his starting role at times throughout the season. Bane stayed healthy this season for the most part and increased his all-around play. Scottie Pippen Jr. has developed nicely with the Grizzlies filling in for Morant when needed also. PF/C Santi Aldama has developed into a nice 6th man/starter. Most of the team is under contract including the big 3.
Bad: While the team made it into the playoffs, they ran into the #1 seed Thunder leading to a sweep. Injuries mostly to Morant and PF/C Brandon Clarke, as well as young wing players Vince Williams Jr. and G.G. Jackson, slowing down their development from last season. Questions around the durability and maturity of Morant going forward. Aldama and G/F Luke Kennard are free agents, both have been in the rotation. The team could still use a solid veteran SF.
Lakers
Good: The Lakers were able to steal Luka Doncic via trade given them better hope long-term. LeBron (Goat) James played well in his age 40 season into the playoffs. The Lakers made the 3rd seed behind solid coaching by new Head Coach J.J. Redick, good defense, and improved offensive efficiency. Anthony Davis was playing well before the trade. The new big 3 of Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves play well together. Rui Hachimura was also a good addition to the big 3 when healthy. Bronny James showed flashes of being a role player. The team is under contract with no big free agents.
Bad: Despite the good regular season, not having a true Center caused the Lakers an early 1st round exit 4-1. The starting Centers from last season are free agents leaving no tall players on the roster. Rookie SF/SG Dalton Knecht cooled off after a hot start, then loss confidence after the botched trade. C Mark Williams would have been a nice inside presence for the playoffs, but risky for the long-term. LeBron was banged up and will be a year older. Signing PG Gabe Vincent continues to look like a bad move. The team needs two Centers and a PG/combo guard depth piece.
Clippers
Good: The Clippers made the 5th seed behind solid coaching from Tyronn Lue, James Harden as the main guy staying healthy, and increased production by C Ivica Zubac into the postseason. G/F Norman Powell played well before injury, looking like a good candidate for Most Improved Player of the Year. Kawhi Leonard played well once healthy into the playoffs. The Clippers were able to go 7 games with the Nuggets. The team has no major upcoming free agents.
Bad: The fans had hope that this year could be different with Kawhi and Powell healthy going into the playoffs. The team relied heavily on Harden with all the injuries, as it was mostly Harden and Zubac ready and available. The team probably played the best it could and still needs a starter to replace Paul George despite the improvement from Powell and some depth.
Rockets
Good: The Rockets made it to the #2 seed with a great regular season under Head Coach Ime Udoka. Star player C Alperen Sengun stayed healthy playing well into the playoffs 1st on the team in ppg in the playoffs 2nd during the regular season. SG Jalen Green led the team in ppg and stayed healthy starting all 82 games. F/G Amen Thompson had an improved season playing well into the postseason as a legit starter and defensive stopper on the perimeter. F Dillon Brooks had a good season with good defense and improved 3-pt shooting. PG Fred VanVleet increased his play in the playoffs. The team has no major free agents. The team was able to go 7 games with the Golden State Warriors.
Bad: The Rockets ran into the Warriors 1st with high expectations, but experience came into play. Green disappeared in the playoffs after a very good regular season. PF Jabari Smith Jr. took a step back in his development due to injuries. Rookie #3 pick PG Reed Sheppard wasn’t as ready as expected. It’s pressure on the team to add Kevin Durant without the resources or offensive power in general. The team has a good starting lineup but could use a legit 6th man and/or good production from Smith and Sheppard.
