I think it's going to be the Lakers as well. They still have Kobe, Gasol, Odom. and are adding Bynum. I am one of the biggest Bynum haters out there, bu they basically steamrolled the West and only got better.
I think the Rockets will be an interesting story, but until that team stays healthy I'm not going to be convinced. I do like their defensive potential with Battier and Artest on the perimeter and Yao guarding the bucket.
I kind of seeing the Hornets falling off a bit. Sure Chris Paul is amazing, but I think they need a traditional 2 guard. Posey was a great add for them, but with Peja starting and then Julian Wright coming off their bench Im not sure he is exactly what they needed.
San Antonio. Tim Duncan continues to amaze me as a player but without getting younger and another low post scorer they ain't coming out of the West.
Dallas. Done
Phoenix. Turn up the AC in the desert 'cause the window is closed
Utah. A team that I really like, and probably gave the Celtics their worst beating all of last year. Not sure they are athletic enough to compete for a championship. They will be very good just not championship good.
Portland. This is a team that will win multiple titles IMO. I think recent examples such as the Celtics and Bulls show that growing and more importantly winning together with all young guys is a hard task. However a healthy Greg Oden makes this team scary good for 10 years. A core of Oden, Aldredge, Roy and then real good complementary players like Fernandez, Bayless (great player next to Roy), Outlaw, Pryzbilla. They may challenge the youth together theory. Do I think they will win the West this year no. DO i think they could compete for the 5/6 seed in the West very much likely.
In the end this whole topic is really asking who is gonna be the second best team in the league. we all know where the champ is coming from