Analysis of the biggest loopholes of the Western Conference teams: Lakers defense is worrying, Rockets point guard is doubtful, and the Warriors have only 10 players

Translator's note: The original text was published on ESPN, and the data in the article were as of the time of the original text (September 12 local time). The dates and times involved are local time

As the NBA offseason approaches the end of the year and the training camp is coming, each team has basically determined their 2025-26 season lineup. However, some teams still have major lineup loopholes.

Some rebuilding teams are interested in improving the roster in the short term rather than forming a cohesive team, a product of the NBA's restrictive new labor-capital agreement. Other teams, such as the Warriors, are waiting for the results of the restricted free agent market.

For champion teams like the defending champion Thunder, the lack of obvious problems can prove that their roster is well built. On the other hand, it may not be a bad thing to have a loophole for teams that are eager to reach that level – as long as they can fill it with internal training or mid-season signings.

With this in mind, let's take a look at the biggest squad loopholes in each of the 15 Western Conference teams.

Related reading: Analysis of the biggest vulnerability of each team in the Eastern Conference: Celtics are empty inside, Cavaliers & The Bucks face the test on the outside

Mavericks

Mavericks

Mavericks have strong frontcourt after introducing Anthony Davis, someone needs to pass the ball for these players. It was this shortcoming that led to the Mavericks' poor record last season and eventually selected Cooper Flag in the draft. Before Kyrie Irving returned, the task fell on D'Angelo Russell, who was not valued in the Lakers last season.

Nuggets

Maximum lineup loophole: Point Guard Depth

This question became harder to answer after the Nuggets introduced Jonas Valanciunas this summer - a reliable substitute for three-time MVP Nikola Jokic - and more shooters. The Nuggets are betting on Jaylen Pickett — despite not playing a big role in last year’s playoffs — put him on Jamal Murray’s main substitute. But new player Bruce Brown can take on these time in the playoffs.

Warriors

Maximum lineup loophole: Formal contract

Due to the ongoing restricted free agent storm in Jonathan Kumingga, the Warriors found themselves in a rare situation where only 10 players signed formal contracts as training camp approached. As ESPN reporter Anthony Slater reported, the Warriors are expected to sign free agents Al Horford and D'Anthony Melton once the situation for Cuminga is resolved.

Rockets

Maximum lineup loophole: Point Guard Depth

The Rockets hope that 2024's No. 3 pick Reed Shepard can solve this problem in his second season. Shepard played only 654 minutes in the rookie season and it was difficult to maintain a regular rotation role. The Rockets can turn to veteran Aaron Holiday, who had a little more playing time last year, but Shepard won the position would be the best result.

Clippers

Maximum lineup loophole: After young players who can contribute, they have introduced many veterans - Bradley Bill, John Collins, Brooke Lopez and Chris Paul in the offseason, Tyron Lu will have a lot of choices. However, after the rock-stable top 11 players, there is a clear gap in the depth of the Clippers' lineup. Kobe Brown and Cameron Christie played a total of only 331 minutes last season, and No. 30 pick Yannick Needhausen may not be able to contribute immediately.

Lakers

The biggest lineup loophole: The ball defense

The Lakers' outside trio consists of Luca Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reeves is very powerful on the offensive end, but has limited ability on the defensive end. Dorian Finney Smith has served as the Lakers' perimeter defensive vanguard after the trade deadline, but he is now playing for the Rockets. The Lakers brought in Marcus Smart, but at this stage of his career, Smart may be better than the defensive holder against tall opponents.

Grizzlies

Maximum lineup loophole: Flank size

Grizzlies had a scandal with Dorian Finney Smith last season because they lacked a player who could play a taller power forward well. The Grizzlies hope that the No. 11 pick Sidrick Coward, a strong 6-foot-6-inch (about 2.01 meters) striker can change that. Although he may need time to get used to the NBA after two seasons in the Big Sky League and only six games last season at Washington State.

Timberwolves

Maximum lineup loophole: Flanking depth

After losing Nikil Alexander Walker, the Timberwolves hope that the rookies they selected in recent years can take on more important roles. Terence Shannon ranked first, he contributed to the division finals and outperformed the 2024 lottery pick Rob Dillingham. In addition, destructive defender Jaylen Clark is also an option.

Pelicans

The biggest lineup loophole: The center

The Pelicans' investment in the center this summer is inevitably worrying, they traded upwards and selected Derek Quinn at the 13th pick before signing Kevin Looney in the free market. Neither of them are the clear starters this season, which may force the Pelicans to count on 2024 first-round pick Yves Missy. According to Basketball Reference, considering Missy's average shooting distance is 2.8 feet (about 0.85 meters), his 55% shooting percentage is really bad.

Thunder

Maximum lineup loophole: The groundbreaking ceremony of the new stadium for the new stadium is scheduled to be held in the first quarter of 2026. The new stadium is located across the street from Paycom Center and is scheduled to open in 2028. Of course, for the defending champions, this will undoubtedly leave a "loophole" that is bigger than any loophole in the lineup, after all, they leave behind the entire championship rotation lineup.

Suns

Maximum lineup loophole: Point guard

According to Arizona Sports reporter John Gambadoro, the Suns hope that new player Jaylen Green can partner with Devin Booker as starting point guard, which once again faces the problem of insufficient organizational capabilities that plagued them in the 2023-24 season. Enable Colin Gillespie may be the better option, who averaged 9.6 points and 4.1 assists in nine starts last season, with a 47.5% three-point shooting percentage.

Trail Blazers

Maximum lineup loophole: Point guard depth

Since Damian Lillard will be reimbursed in advance due to a torn Achilles tendon in his first season after his return, the Trail Blazers have no ideal choice outside Scudt Henderson and new player Zhu Holiday. If either of the two is out, the Trail Blazers would better have Deni Avdia as the organizational forward rather than using Blake Wesley, who has not proven himself.

Kings

The biggest lineup loophole: After the frontcourt substitutes

were in the consideration of cap space and traded Jonas Valanciunas, the Kings left many problems with starters Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis. Blue-collar player Drew Eubanks and second-round pick Maxim Renault will compete for the place to be the substitute center. Meanwhile, Demar DeRozan could be the Kings' actual backup power forward, freeing up time for the team's deep wing rotation.

Spurs

The biggest lineup loophole: The defender's projection

After introducing Kelly Olynick to Victor Vinbanyama, the Spurs have plenty of room for the frontcourt. Devin Vassel is also a shooter with a career three-point shooting percentage of 37%. But the problem is that the Spurs' ball holders are not good enough outside the three-point line. De Aaron Fox shot 31% from three-pointers last season, Stephen Castle shot 28.5% from three-pointers in the rookie season, and No. 2 Dylan Harper shot 33% from three-pointers at Rutgers.

Jazz

Maximum lineup loophole: Backcourt experience

Last season, the Jazz allowed 20-year-old rookies Isaiah Collier and Cody Williams to start 67 games in total. In the offseason, the Jazz sent Colin Sexton away and bought out Jordan Clarkson to make the back line younger. On this back line with 21-year-old Keant George, 22-year-old first-round pick Walter Clayton Jr. is already considered a "veteran".

Author: Kevin Pelton

Translator: GWayNe

source:tỷ số 7m cn