For the first time since the 1995-96 season, the NBA’s Pacific Division will not consist of Los Angeles Lakers‘ star Kobe Bryant. Bryant, of course, retired after the 2015-16 season, putting an end to his career, which is headed for the Hall of Fame.
The headliner in the division and the conference, for that matter, is the Golden State Warriors. Certainly, there are championship expectations in California’s Bay Area, but other destinations within the division that are fascinating as well.
In about six weeks, the Lakers will officially tip off the post-Kobe Bryant era.