Three Western Conference teams that will improve during second half of the season

As the NBA season approaches its halfway point, several Western Conference teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies have already surpassed expectations. At the same time, a few other organizations are beginning to show promising signs of improvement, positioning themselves to make a push for one of the top playoff seeds in the second half of the season. 

Let's dive into three Western Conference teams poised to make significant improvements.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers recently suffered back-to-back losses on their Texas road trip, falling 119-115 in a tight contest against the Rockets, followed by a 118-97 blowout loss to the Mavericks, a game in which they appeared distracted, perhaps due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. Despite these setbacks, L.A. remains on an upward trajectory.

Since returning from a left pelvic contusion 12 games ago, Austin Reaves has elevated his playmaking, averaging 7.5 assists per game, ranking 12th in the league. This improved passing has provided the Lakers with valuable supplementary creation alongside LeBron James. During this stretch, L.A.’s offense has flourished. With teams unable to provide extra help to James or Anthony Davis, the Lakers have averaged 18.1 wide-open three-point attempts per contest (with no defender within six feet), one of the highest marks in the association and a significant improvement over their earlier-season numbers.

The Lakers also made a savvy move, sending the much-maligned D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Finney-Smith has seamlessly integrated into the Lakers’ system, shooting 42.1% from beyond the arc in L.A. while providing his typical all-around defense. Meanwhile, Milton stepped up as a capable lead playmaker while L.A’s backup point guard, Gabe Vincent, was sidelined with an oblique strain.

Additionally, the Lakers are set to welcome back defensive stalwart Jarred Vanderbilt in the coming weeks alongside sharpshooting center Christian Wood. With two excellent bench players further strengthening the rotation, L.A. is positioned for a strong second-half push and could easily contend for a top-four seed in the Western Conference.

Dallas Mavericks

This is the easiest call in the Western Conference. Before Luka Doncic sustained a left calf strain against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day, the Mavericks were rolling, posting a 14-3 record over their previous 17 games and looking every bit the juggernaut that made a run to the Finals last season. However, since then, the Mavs have been dealt another blow, with their other All-Star guard, Kyrie Irving, sidelined due to a bulging disc in his back. As expected, Dallas has struggled without its superstar backcourt duo.

Once Doncic and Irving return from injury, the Mavericks should surge, with Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall contributing the type of three-and-D wing play every team covets. Meanwhile, the center combination of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford has bolstered the Mavs’ interior defense, and Spencer Dinwiddie has proven to be an excellent backup point guard.

Los Angeles Clippers

Despite missing six-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard for the first 34 games of the season, the Clippers exceeded expectations, posting a 19-15 record — good for a top-six spot in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Much like Darius Garland on the Cavaliers, James Harden’s numbers (21.6 PPG and 8.0 APG) may not leap off the page, but he has proven that he’s still among the few players in the league capable of generating quality looks for his team on nearly every possession. Meanwhile, Norman Powell has emerged as one of the best outside shooters in the league, converting 43.8% of his 8.1 three-point attempts per game, including 3.8 pull-up threes. Ivica Zubac has also provided a steady presence in the paint as one of the league’s most reliable centers, while the Clippers’ collection of long, athletic wings have played solid two-way basketball.

Enter Leonard, who, before Wednesday's game against the Nuggets, made his return two contests ago, averaging 10.0 PPG on a rough 31.8% shooting from the field. Leonard’s somber demeanor — his smile a rare sight — may raise concerns about how his presence affects the Clippers’ positive culture, which has thrived in his absence. However, it’s crucial to remember that he’s a two-time champion, a player who has consistently proven he can lead a title-contending team. With that in mind, the Clippers have the potential to emerge as one of the top dark horse contenders in the NBA.