The Western Conference, in Draymond Green’s words, is a “bloodbath.” At the time of writing, only the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder remain undefeated, although there are several teams with title hopes.
The Thunder, Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers are led by real MVP candidates, and plenty of teams boast proven rosters with title experience. The Golden State Warriors have more veteran talent than anyone. Green thinks that gives them a chance.
According to the four-time champion, the West is better than ever, but only three teams have real title hopes.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 21: Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors react prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on October 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Draymond Green Lists 3 NBA Finals Contenders
There is a very real case to be made that, aside from Giannis Antetokounmpo, all of the top ten active players are in the Western Conference.
The Thunder, after dominating last season and getting off to a hot start, are the team to beat. However, Green thinks there are a few teams with a chance, and he named his three “true contenders.”
“When I think about this, it’s like OKC, yours truly, the Dubs,” prefaced Green on his self-titled podcast. “Denver, obviously. Joker, champion, always going to get them a chance. They’re always going to be right there. Match-up nightmare for everybody. The way AG’s playing, Aaron Gordon has looked good. They’re always right there, they’re going to make a run for it.”
Between Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Stephen Curry, the Nuggets, Thunder, and Warriors have perhaps the most battle-tested rosters of any teams in the league. While the Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, and Portland Trail Blazers look solid, Green thinks they are unproven or will be ravaged by injuries.
Despite Green making it clear he thinks LeBron James is the best to ever do it, he thinks the Lakers belong in the second tier of teams.
Draymond Green Lacks Faith in Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are 2-2 on the season. Luka Doncic has played in only two games, James is yet to make his debut, and Austin Reaves is playing out of his mind.
Once James and Doncic return to the lineup, the Lakers will be a scary team. However, just like the Clippers, Green doubts their ability to stay healthy.
“Both of those teams need good breaks,” said Green of the LA teams. “You got Bron starting off the season on the bench, unhealthy. We just found out that Luka’s going to be out for at least a week, you know, with some injuries. You know, and so they’ll need it to break right. And then obviously, the Clippers will need Kawhi to be healthy. You know, Kawhi is starting his season off strong. They’ll need him to be healthy, right?”
Kawhi Leonard has averaged 32 minutes per game in the Clippers’ first three contests, but his track record suggests injury will catch up to him.
Of course, the same could be said of Jimmy Butler, Curry, Green, and the rest of the elder Warriors. Basketball is a young man’s game, although until injuries flare up, there’s not a whole lot to be worried about.
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