Pacific Division Offseason Recap and Outlook for 2026-27 Season

**Golden State Warriors**

The Warriors finished the previous season with a record of 37-45, qualifying for the play-in tournament, despite a strong performance from Stephen Curry and the season-ending injury to Jimmy Butler.

**Offseason Moves**

- Additions: Yaxel Lendeborg, Georges Niang, Brandon Williams

- Subtractions: Seth Curry, Quinten Post, Pat Spencer

Lendeborg, the No. 11 overall pick and Summer League MVP, is expected to bring youthful energy to the squad. The Warriors are keen to maximize Curry’s remaining peak years and hope for a postseason return if Butler recovers well from knee surgery.

**LA Clippers**

The Clippers ended the last season with a 42-40 record and reached the play-in tournament, largely thanks to a healthy Kawhi Leonard.

**Offseason Moves**

- Additions: Johni Broome, Gradey Dick, Rui Hachimura, Brandon Ingram, Nick Martinelli, Baba Miller, Max Strus, Keaton Wagler

- Subtractions: Nicolas Batum, Bogdan Bogdanović, John Collins, Kawhi Leonard, Bennedict Mathurin

Having traded Leonard to the Raptors, the Clippers have entered a new era with the addition of Keaton Wagler, their first-round draft pick. The team’s success hinges on making the playoffs in a competitive Western Conference, while Darius Garland continues to build chemistry with Wagler.

**Los Angeles Lakers**

The Lakers finished last season at 53-29 but faced challenges with injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

**Offseason Moves**

- Additions: Cameron Carr, Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, Walker Kessler, Kevon Looney, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams

- Subtractions: Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, LeBron James, Luke Kennard, Maxi Kleber, Marcus Smart, Nick Smith Jr.

With the franchise officially transitioning from LeBron James to Dončić, the Lakers continue to be competitive, leveraging Dončić’s star power. The health and performance of Kessler will be crucial for a sustained playoff push.

**Phoenix Suns**

The Suns had a surprising season, finishing 45-37 and making the playoffs despite losing key players Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

**Offseason Moves**

- Additions: Miles Bridges, Luke Kennard, Koa Peat

- Subtractions: Grayson Allen, Amir Coffey, Royce O’Neale

The organization is committing to a long-term vision under GM Brian Gregory, extending contracts for players like Dillon Brooks and solidifying their roster with impactful additions, setting the stage for another playoff run.

**Sacramento Kings**

The Kings struggled last season with a 22-60 record, missing the playoffs as they searched for a new identity.

**Offseason Moves**

- Additions: Darius Acuff Jr., Alex Karaban, Emanuel Sharp, Ben Simmons

- Subtractions: Devin Carter, DeMar DeRozan, Drew Eubanks, Killian Hayes, Doug McDermott, Russell Westbrook

Entering a pivotal season, the Kings are looking for strong performances from Zach LaVine, whose contract is set to expire, alongside De’Andre Hunter. The club's direction depends significantly on their handling of LaVine and Domantas Sabonis in the coming years.

Shaun Powell has covered the NBA since 1985. You can reach him at [email protected].