Here's the prediction from ESPN.
https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/40940111/nba-predictions-2024-25-win-loss-records-warriors-thunder-every-west-team
1. Oklahoma City Thunder: 57-25
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: 54-28
3. Dallas Mavericks: 52-30
4. Denver Nuggets: 52-30
5. Phoenix Suns: 49-33
6. Sacramento Kings: 47-35
The play-in group
7. New Orleans Pelicans: 46-36
8. Golden State Warriors: 45-37
9. Memphis Grizzlies: 44-38
10. Houston Rockets: 44-38
The bottom five
11. Los Angeles Lakers: 44-38
12. LA Clippers: 43-39
13. San Antonio Spurs: 35-47
14. Utah Jazz: 26-56
15. Portland Trail Blazers: 22-60
Factors that affected the Lakers for the expert to came up with that prediction is the new coach JJ Reddick and probably not adding some role players that would improve the roster.
I would swap the Warriors with the Lakers on this list. I'm not that high on the Lakers but I think the Warriors are in a tougher spot I think. The mental break of klay leaving I think will make a difference. It was always steph klay and draymond. Whenever you break up the band and try to patchwork it usually ends up with disastrous results. Just a differemt texture to the locker room and everything. Other than that I think espn is spot on.