The change of guard has officially begun.
After LeBron James exited the postseason on Monday, the playoffs will enter the second round without James, Kevin Durant, or Stephen Curry for the first time since 2005.
And, given that Nikola Jokic, Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic will remain in the West for the foreseeable future
the chances of James, Durant, or Curry returning to prominence next season appear slim unless their teams pull off a blockbuster deal or two.
Furthermore, the remainder of the West will face a returning Ja Morant, the thriving Rockets, and Victor Wembanyama's Spurs next season.
In addition, the Kings will be looking to rebound this season.
Even James recognizes that his years of making deep postseason runs may be finished.
In his season-ending press conference, he discussed the obstacles of preparing his body for another tough 82-game season.