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It is hard to imagine that the NBA season has come to an end, but to every end, there is also a new beginning.
Although there are no games to be played or practices to be scheduled, the most pivotal point of the year comes down to now. The offseason of the NBA is where dreams come true, players break strong ties with their teammates, and executives must choose precisely what players their team needs to succeed.
The offseason period of NBA basketball is one of the most exciting, yet often disappointing, times for the players who are involved.
Although some trades turn out to be disasters, others can propel an often mid-level team to championship contender.
Below, I will list the teams out in the Western Conference that I believe have the best chance to hold the NBA Championship when June comes around.
(The number stands for the final position in the standings that will be held by each team, and next year's predicted record is in parentheses).
1. Los Angeles Lakers (67-15):
The defending champions have to be the number one team out West. With the departure of Trevor Ariza, many speculated that the Lakers lost a key component to their championship success.
However, filling in for Ariza's absence will be Ron Artest, one of the best lockdown defenders in the league. Though many Laker's fans may miss Ariza's acrobatic and dynamic plays down the stretch of the season, Artest should fit into the rotation perfectly.
In addition to adding Artest to the team, the Lakers recently discovered that Phil Jackson will also return in what seems to be his final season. Although he will not be as dynamic of a coach sitting on the bench, he will continue his success as one of the greatest, if not greatest, coaches in the league.
Ron Artest will add an outstanding defender on the perimeter, Kobe Bryant will be his normal dominant self, Derek Fisher will return to lead the Lakers as point guard, Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol will continue their strong front-court play, and Andrew Bynum will return and be a very influential player in the paint.
If the role players step up in the playoffs as they did last season, there is no team equip to take down the high-flying Lakers.
Home Record: 35-6
Road Record: 30-11
2. San Antonio Spurs (58-24)
The beginning of the offseason has proved to be very successful for the San Antonio Spurs. The signing of free-agents Antonio McDyess (Detroit Pistons) and Richard Jefferson (Milwaukee Bucks) has added not only depth to the Spurs roster, but also experience.
Add to the free-agent signings a healthy Manu Ginoboli, and you get a very successful and promising team full of role players and veterans.
Tony Parker will lead the Spurs as the point guard, Manu Ginoboli is healthy and ready to go, possibly Richard Jefferson or Antonio McDyess added to the starting lineup alongside Tim Duncan, and you have very strong front-court play.
The Spurs have the coach and personnel to challenge the Lakers out West, but at the end of the day, the Lakers have more overall talent and depth than the Spurs. The talent factor, however, will prove to be too tough for the Spurs to overcome.
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