With all-but one Pacific Division team left in the playoffs, the Clippers and Lakers have all offseason to think about the divisional race next season.
This year, the Clippers weren’t challenged as they ran away with the division by nine games over the Warriors and 11 over the Lakers.
While the division is highly competitive, when it comes down to everything, the Lakers, Clippers and Warriors are well above the Kings and Suns. However, the Lakers and Clippers could be undergoing significant change as Chris Paul and Dwight Howard might not be back in L.A.
With all things considered, we asked Lakers Nation who they thought was the early favorite to win the Pacific Division next year:
It’s not surprising that 85 percent believe the Lakers will win the division next season, but it’ll be interesting to see what the team will look like come Opening Night.
What is a bit shocking is the low percentage the Warriors most of their team is young and will remain in-tact next season. With uncertainty facing both Los Angeles teams, it’s hard to vote now for either to win the division since the summer hasn’t really begun.
Regardless, there’s no way the Lakers go 45-37 with this team next year as they showed down the stretch the team that they’re capable of being. Whether Dwight Howard and Metta World Peace return is to be determined, but one thing is for certain, general manager Mitch Kupchak will make significant changes.
