Who is the third-best team in the Western Conference ahead of the upcoming season? Those are the last two squads to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals, and one of them ended up winning the championship. The second tier of teams vying to position themselves right behind the Spurs and Thunder includes the Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets. The Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers have also been named as potential landing spots by NBA insider Michael Scotto. Kuminga's decision can propel either the Lakers or Timberwolves forward, leaving the other chasing alternatives.