While Shannon Sharpe believes in the Lakers, the disrespect from Stephen A. Smith

The Los Angeles Lakers start tonight on their road to a new NBA championship title, first, they have to win the Western Conference, something that they failed to do in the 2023 playoffs when they were swept by the Denver Nuggets in the conference finals.

The offseason was packed for the teams in the West and some super teams have been formed, the Lakers had an impressive summer thanks to the moves made by GM Rob Pelinka, starting with bringing back the core that made it to the WCF and adding some more depth and talent.

The Phoenix Suns have a Big 3 in Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker, the Warriors got veteran Chris Paul and still have Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. The Nuggets are the champions and brought back their core. The Spurs got the No. 1 Draft Pick sensation Victor Wembanyama, the Dallas Mavericks are running back the Kyrie Irving-Luka Doncic duo, the Clippers built a Big 3 with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook, etc.

In today's ESPN's First Take, Shannon Sharpe picked the Lakers as the team he considers will win the West Conference, but Stephen A. Smith went to the Suns Big 3.

The Lakers two first games will be critical to see how they stand in the West

The first two games for the Lakers will be against the Nuggets at Denver and will host their home season opener vs. the Phoenix Suns. Both games are critical to start the campaign on the right foot and to see how they fare against two favorite contenders to win the best and the NBA title.