As the 2024-25 NBA regular season nears its conclusion, the Western Conference standings are fiercely contested, with teams vying for optimal playoff positioning. The Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers are central to this battle, both aiming to solidify their ranks in the postseason hierarchy.
Recent Performance and Standings
The Golden State Warriors have been on an impressive run, significantly enhancing their position in the Western Conference. Their recent 123-116 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on April 3, 2025, showcased Stephen Curry's exceptional 37-point performance. Brandin Podziemski contributed 28 points, including a career-high eight three-pointers. This win marks the Warriors' fourth consecutive victory, bringing their season record to 45-31, placing them fifth in the Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Lakers, despite strong individual performances from LeBron James (33 points) and Austin Reaves (31 points), faced a setback with this loss. Their record now stands at 46-30, positioning them fourth in the conference, just one game ahead of the Warriors.
Western Conference Standings Overview
The current Western Conference standings are as follows:
Western Conference, Eastern Conference
Team | W | L | PCT | GB | L10 | Strk |
1 Oklahoma City Thunder | 64 | 12 | .842 | - | 10-0 | W11 |
2 Houston Rockets | 50 | 27 | .649 | 14.5 | 8-2 | W1 |
3 Denver Nuggets | 47 | 30 | .610 | 17.5 | 4-6 | L2 |
4 Los Angeles Lakers | 46 | 30 | .605 | 18.0 | 5-5 | L1 |
5 Golden State Warriors | 45 | 31 | .592 | 19.0 | 7-3 | W4 |
6 Memphis Grizzlies | 45 | 32 | .584 | 19.5 | 3-7 | W1 |
7 Minnesota Timberwolves | 45 | 32 | .584 | 19.5 | 7-3 | W4 |
8 LA Clippers | 44 | 32 | .579 | 20.0 | 8-2 | W2 |
9 Dallas Mavericks | 38 | 39 | .494 | 26.5 | 5-5 | W1 |
10 Sacramento Kings | 36 | 40 | .474 | 28.0 | 3-7 | L3 |
11 Phoenix Suns | 35 | 41 | .461 | 29.0 | 5-5 | L4 |
12 Portland Trail Blazers | 34 | 43 | .442 | 30.5 | 6-4 | W2 |
13 San Antonio Spurs | 32 | 44 | .421 | 32.0 | 4-6 | W1 |
14 New Orleans Pelicans | 21 | 55 | .276 | 43.0 | 3-7 | L1 |
15 Utah Jazz | 16 | 61 | .208 | 48.5 | 1-9 | L7 |
The Oklahoma City Thunder lead the conference with a remarkable 64-12 record, followed by the Houston Rockets at 50-27. The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers are in a tight race for the third and fourth spots, with records of 47-30 and 46-30, respectively. The Golden State Warriors are closely trailing at 45-31, intensifying the competition for home-court advantage in the playoffs.
Implications for the Playoffs
With the playoffs approaching, the positioning within the Western Conference is critical. The Lakers and Warriors are both striving to avoid the play-in tournament by securing a top-six seed. The Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, and LA Clippers are also in close contention, each holding records that keep them in the mix for direct playoff spots.
The NBA play-in tournament is scheduled to commence on April 15, 2025, immediately following the conclusion of the regular season on April 13. Teams ranked seventh through tenth will compete for the final playoff berths, adding urgency for teams like the Lakers and Warriors to secure higher seeds.
Key Players and Performances
Stephen Curry continues to be a pivotal force for the Warriors, leading the team with his scoring prowess and experience. The addition of Jimmy Butler III from the Miami Heat in February has bolstered the team's defense and versatility, contributing to their 20-4 run since his acquisition.
For the Lakers, LeBron James remains a central figure, consistently delivering high-scoring performances. The integration of Luka Doncic into the lineup has added depth, though recent games have highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly in shooting efficiency.
Upcoming Matchups and Schedule
The Lakers' remaining regular-season schedule includes crucial games that will determine their final seeding. Fans can find the full schedule on ESPN's official page. ESPN.com+3ESPN.com+3ESPN.com+3
Similarly, the Warriors have pivotal games ahead that are essential for their playoff positioning. Their schedule is also available on ESPN.
Conclusion
As the regular season winds down, the competition in the Western Conference is more intense than ever. The performances of teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers will be critical in determining the playoff landscape. Fans can anticipate thrilling games as teams battle for supremacy and the coveted playoff positions.
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