The Lakers win Ayton, the battle for the Western Conference quarterfinals is fierce, the Clippers Wolves are eliminated, the Warriors miss the top eight

On July 3, the only high-quality center player left in the free market was won by the Los Angeles Lakers. Although this former No. 1 pick has been criticized, he can still easily score double-double per game. His joining has also allowed the Lakers' weakest inside line to be strengthened almost perfectly; not long ago, the Lakers' management just got the projecting center Lopez from the Bucks' poaching. The role positioning of two people on one offense and one defense gives the Lakers more room for tactical adjustment.

After this reinforcement, the competitive landscape in the West has become even more tragic. In addition to the Thunder, who just won the championship, the top four teams have maintained their original lineup team, the Rockets, Lakers and Nuggets have all made improvements to varying degrees. The Rockets traded Durant, renewed VanVleet, Adams and Smith Jr., and signed 3D power forward Finney Smith and former former player Capela. A series of operations made them become the favorites for the Western Conference championship. If nothing unexpected happens, they will have a place in the top four in the Western Conference in the new season, just like the Thunder.

Nuggets sent Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson, recalling the substitute defender Brown during the championship. The weak substitute lineup was solved. In addition, Jokic and Murray were in their year of playing, the Nuggets are still very competitive in the Western Conference and have the strength to rank in the semi-finals.

In addition, the Mavericks, who selected No. 1 Flag, signed Russell, the former No. 2 pick. When Irving was absent due to injury, Russell will replace him as the starting point guard. When Irving returns, as long as the players stay healthy, the Mavericks' lineup configuration will be considered as not at all in the face of any team. After renewing Harden's contract, the Clippers basically maintained their original championship lineup; the Timberwolves also renewed the substitute sixth man Reed, but compared with the above five teams, although they are not good, they have certain shortcomings and deficiencies in the inside and the forward line respectively. It is not a big problem to advance to the Western Conference playoffs, and it may be difficult to enter the semi-finals. The most regrettable thing in the offseason is the Golden State Warriors, who have not achieved any results among many high-quality inside players, and have also lost veteran Rooney. With Curry getting older and potential injuries, coupled with the decline in defense of Zhu Meng Green's defensive end, Butler alone can't support the team's defensive system. If the team cannot obtain substantial reinforcement in the interior this summer, then next season, facing the powerful Western Conference champions, they are very likely to be squeezed out of the playoffs.