Winners and losers of LeBron James' decision to join the Lakers

Winners and losers of the LeBron James decision

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 07: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers addresses the media during practice and media availability as part of the 2018 NBA Finals on June 07, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Loser — The Western Conference

Or maybe this makes them a winner? I’m not quite sure yet. Either way, LeBron coming to the Lakers makes the West even more of a dog fight. The Warriors didn’t get any worse over the summer, unless you’re super high on JaVale McGee. The Rockets lost Trevor Ariza, but return their two main pieces and likely keep Clint Capela. The Jazz, with a year of experience under their belt, get better. The Thunder still have the talent that makes them a threat, especially once Andre Roberson returns. The Pelicans, Trail Blazers, Timberwolves, and Nuggets all remain in the mix. The Spurs could still be a thing if Kawhi Leonard ends up staying. Even Dallas made a couple of upgrades. If Mike Conley is healthy, I wouldn’t doubt the Grizzlies to frustrate teams on any given night.

The West is absolutely loaded.

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The national television schedule is going to have so many 8 p.m. ET games featuring Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans or Minnesota at home followed by a 10:30 p.m. ET game featuring Golden State, Los Angeles, Portland, Utah, or Denver at home. Sorry, Eastern Conference, your games can start at 7 p.m. ET so people can pay attention for an hour before the real basketball starts.

If you were a fringe playoff team in the West last season (and three through nine were all fringe teams), things will be even tougher this season. Good teams are going to miss the playoffs. Meanwhile, the 35-47 Knicks will probably be a sixth seed in the East.