Now let's preview the Western Conference:

Western Conference
Cream of the Crop

1. Los Angeles Lakers: The defending champs are primed for another run, and expect Ron Artest to be on his best behavior and provide a nasty factor that the Lakers need. But any team with Kobe Bryant will be a contender, and L.A. should be near the top again. Record: 66-16
2. San Antonio Spurs: I have compared the Spurs to Freddie Kreuger, and this year is no exception; the additions of Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess, plus rookie DeJuan Blair, give San Antonio more depth than they've had in some time. This allows Gregg Popovich to rest his Big 3 more, and if Manu Ginobili stays healthy, they will give L.A. fits. Record: 62-20
3. Denver Nuggets: With Chauncey Billups on board for a full year, the Nuggets will continue to contend despite not adding significant pieces. Still, it's hard to believe they will get over the top unless Carmelo Anthony has another starburst season. Record: 57-25

Run of the Mill
4. Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers have the best chance to vault into the cream of the crop triad assuming Greg Oden continues to look more spry. Andre Miller (assuming he's in shape) should give Portland its best point guard since Terry Porter, and Brandon Roy continues to improve. A little more maturity makes the Blazers a good-potentially-great team. Record: 53-29
5. Dallas Mavericks: The Mavs made a few good additions in Shawn Marion and Drew Gooden give Dallas more depth, but they're still getting older, and I don't see Dallas getting beyond the hump this year. Expect one more good year, and then look out. Record: 48-34
6. Utah Jazz: With Carlos Boozer on the verge of being traded, things aren't looking great in Salt Lake City. The ship has set sail on this team, and we'll have to see how much longer Jerry Sloan will coach this team. Record: 44-38

Not That Good
7. Houston Rockets: Same song here; Yao Ming is out for the year, Tracy McGrady is damaged goods at best, and Ron Artest is gone. This team will play hard and possibly make the playoffs in the West, but other than Luis Scola and newcomer Trevor Ariza, there's not much game-changing talent. Record: 42-40
8. New Orleans Hornets: Chris Paul is the best point guard in the league, but his team is regressing around him. Tyson Chandler is gone finally, but Emeka Okafor isn't the player Chandler could be, and perennially injured Peja Stojakovic will try a less-strenuous bench role. Too bad this team couldn't cash in their chips two years ago. Record: 41-41
9. Phoenix Suns: The team may be harmonious now that run-and-gun coach Alvin Gentry has the full-time job, but he's relying on aging vets such as Steve Nash and Grant Hill, and a returning-from-injury Amare Stoudemire. The Suns will score plenty, but it looks like another season without playoffs. Prediction: 39-43

Now We're In Trashville
10. Los Angeles Clippers: Yet again, the Clipper curse has hit; Blake Griffin is out six weeks with a knee injury. Griffin's presence would've lifted Baron Davis, Chris Kaman, Eric Gordon et al to a playoff contender. As it is, the Clips will be on the fringe at best. Record: 36-46
11. Oklahoma City Thunder: Yep, the second year in OKC will see an uptick in wins, as Kevin Durant continues to get better, and Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook are a nice duo to have next to him. Expect the Thunder to be on the fringe, with great things to come in 2011. Record: 34-48
12. Minnesota Timberwolves: How did rookie coach Kurt Rambis' Wolves get here? Because they have harmony! Seriously, the Wolves have some decent pieces like Al Jeffeson (assuming he's ready following last year's injury) and Kevin Love (whose already injured), but it will take at least two years to get back into contention. Record: 25-57

Lottery-Bound
13. Memphis Grizzlies: Here's the good news; Allen Iverson is injured and won't play for a couple weeks. The bad news: AI will be back, and his poisonous behavior could affect O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, and Mike Conley. I hope they sack him, but with or without him, the Grizz will be irrelevent. Record: 22-60
14. Golden State Warriors: Stephen Jackson wants to be traded, Monta Ellis hates rookei Stephen Curry, and the team is generally miserable. Otherwise, they're in great shape! The Warriors have given away all of the good will the Oakland faithful gave them a few years ago, and hopefully Don Nelson gets out after the season ends. Record: 19-63
15. Sacramento Kings: A less-talented team you won't see in the West. Kevin Martin is at best a second option on a contender, but he's all the Kings really have right now. Rookie Tyreke Evans gives them hope for the future, but the present is very bleak for the Kings as new coach Paul Westphal adjust to the NBA for the first time in nearly eight years. Record: 15-67