Are one key guy away from slipping out of contention. I picked Portland, because they seem the thinnest after Dame and CJ - one of those guys goes down, things turn south fast for them.

Utah’s obviously in the same boat if Mitchell misses a lot of time. And it’s not just the Lakers that could move into the playoff mix. The Kings will make a run at the playoffs next year as well. If the Pelicans opt to flip draft assets for players who are ready now, they are right there too and the Mavericks have cap space to add to Doncic and Porzingis next year as well.

The West is going to be a lot of fun next year.