Who's Best in the West? Ranking California's NBA Teams

For decades, the Los Angeles Lakers have dominated the state of California and for the most part, the NBA.

They have been the Yankees of the NBA, never afraid to spend the money to bring in the best talent that money can buy.

Times have changed and not only do the Lakers have competition around the NBA, but for the first time in a long time, they have legitimate competition in their own state and even in their own city.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors have a stud in Stephen Curry and a young power forward in David Lee, but the combo isn’t enough to make them contenders.

The one positive thing about the Warriors is their team depth.

13 Warriors played in a loss to the Kings, so it will be important for rookie head coach Mark Jackson to find the chemistry and establish rotations.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are as weak as they have been in years, with little help around Kobe Bryant other than Pau Gasol.

Aging veterans Metta World Peace (formerly known as Ron Artest) and Derek Fisher bring consistent play, but the Lakers are going to need more than Troy Murphy, Josh McRoberts and Steve Blake if they are going to contend for an NBA Title.

With Bryant aging and having less explosiveness than the Lakers are accustomed to, the Lakers will struggle at the end of even the shortened season as fatigue sets in.

Sacramento Kings

Still young and growing, the Kings have as much pure talent as any team in the NBA. 

The only question is whether or not they can play mature, disciplined basketball consistently throughout the season.

Tyreke Evans, Demarcus Cousins and John Salmons are top-notch talent and when you sprinkle in Marcus Thornton, Jimmer Fredette, J.J. Hickson and Chuck Hayes, the Kings have solid depth.

Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin put on a season-long dunk show last year, but the Clippers were still missing pieces to be serious contenders.

Those gaps were filled with veterans Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups this offseason, making the Clippers the best team in Los Angeles and the best team in the state of California.

The city of angels has now become lob city and Clipper fans will get a fantastic show each and every night.