The Western Conference chatter starts and stops with one team: the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers. As long as Phil Jackson's squad avoids injury, they will make their fourth consecutive NBA Finals appearance. They are too talented and too deep for anybody in the West to compete with them. They have the game's best closer (Kobe Bryant), best post player (Pau Gasol), and best perimeter defender (Ron Artest). On top of that, they have the best coach that, by the way, has never lost in his bid for a three-peat.
2. Los Angeles Clippers (41-41)
The Clippers have new hope as Vinny Del Negro has been handed the coaching reigns and Blake Griffin is back from injury. They still have Chris Kaman in the middle, emerging talent Eric Gordon on the wing, and the exciting talent of Baron Davis. If Del Negro can somehow find a way to get Davis to play up to his potential, this team could give others headaches. Man, that is a big if....
3. Phoenix Suns (35-47)
Alvin Gentry loves to have his players get up and down and the Suns had a lot of success playing that style of ball last year. The only problem is that Amar'e Stoudemire bolted for big-time money in the Big Apple. Hedo Turkoglu was brought in to help Steve Nash make plays, but unfortunately the Suns lost the one guy that they could not afford to lose. They will put plenty of points on the board again this year, but how many will they give up? Too many to be a factor.
4. Golden State Warriors (29-53)
Feeling a need to move forward sooner rather than later, team management decided to relieve Don Nelson of his coaching duties and install Keith Smart in his place. The Warriors now have a legitimate inside threat in free-agent signee David Lee to go along with playmakers Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis. They will be slightly improved, but the head coach's challenge will remain the same....coming up with creative ways to compete on a nightly basis.
5. Sacramento Kings (23-59)
The Kings got some help in this year's draft by selecting Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins. He has a huge upside, but many questions have been raised about his behavior and demeanor. Coach Paul Wesphal will need heavy and consistent contributions from Cousins, reigning Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans, and budding slasher Omri Casspi for the Kings to have a chance to win games. Sadly, the bottom line is they just don't have enough talent to be a concern.
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