NBA: Previewing the Pacific Division

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Apr 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) smiles as he addresses the crowd after the Lakers defeat of the Utah Jazz in the final game of his career at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

The NBA’s Pacific Division is full of intrigue for this upcoming season. As a whole, the division has a bit of everything: championship contenders and young teams trying to rebuild.

For the first time since the 1995-96 season, the NBA’s Pacific Division will not consist of Los Angeles Lakers‘ star Kobe Bryant. Bryant, of course, retired after the 2015-16 season, putting an end to his career, which is headed for the Hall of Fame.

The headliner in the division and the conference, for that matter, is the Golden State Warriors. Certainly, there are championship expectations in California’s Bay Area, but other destinations within the division that are fascinating as well.

In about six weeks, the Lakers will officially tip off the post-Kobe Bryant era. Their new era will be led by head coach Luke Walton and consists of multiple young impact players. The Los Angeles Clippers have seemingly fallen back simultaneously as the Warriors emerged over the past few seasons. The Clippers will still be a force, although they have been derailed by injuries in the recent past.

The Pacific Division also consists of two teams who are trying to rebuild and target future success: the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. Whether you like watching superstars or younger emerging players, the Pacific Division will have something to offer as far as viewership is concerned.

Here is a look at the five teams in the division, in no particular order.

Next: Phoenix Suns