NBA projections 2022-23 - Win-loss records for Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors and every Western Conference team

There is no shortage of storylines in the NBA's Western Conference heading into the 2022-23 season.

And, as is tradition, let's start in Los Angeles.

LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers are back to improve on an injury- and drama-filled season that resulted in a failed run to the West's final play-in spot. But after featuring a bevy of veteran role players in 2022-23, the franchise has skewed much younger this offseason as it pursues a bounce-back campaign.

The Lakers' cross-hallway rivals, meanwhile, are returning to title contention thanks to a healthy Kawhi Leonard reuniting with fellow two-way superstar Paul George.

The reigning two-time MVP is also getting the band back together, as Nikola Jokic is expected to welcome Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. back to the Denver Nuggets' lineup.

Oh, and the Golden State Warriors are coming off a title run that rekindled a dynasty, while the Phoenix Suns return the majority of the roster that won an NBA-best 64 games last season.

Is Phoenix projected to repeat as the West's No. 1 seed? Will the Lakers re-enter the playoff picture? Which teams are still tanking?

Our expert panel is predicting the win-loss records for all 15 teams in the West.

Note: Our 2022-23 NBA Summer Forecast will continue Wednesday with our predictions for East, West and NBA champions.

1. Phoenix Suns: 56-26

2. Golden State Warriors: 55-27

3. Denver Nuggets: 53-29

4. Memphis Grizzlies: 51-31

5. LA Clippers: 50-32

6. Dallas Mavericks: 49-33

Despite winning the title last season and presumably starting next season with a fully healthy roster for the first time in three years, the defending champs aren't the ESPN Summer Forecast favorites to have the West's best regular season record in 2022-23.

But