2009-10 Western Conference Playoff Picture

The West has always seemed to be the superior conference and this year is no different as the defending champs come out of the West.

This year should be no different.

Most of the top teams in the West refused to stay pat this offseason. The Lakers jumped at the opportunity to sign Ron Artest (five years, $33 million) and the Portland Trail Blazers inked veteran point guard Andre Miller (three years, $21 million). Meanwhile, the Spurs traded for Richard Jefferson on draft day, and the Mavericks added the versatile Shawn Marion as a part of a four-team deal, kept up by trading for veteran swingmen.

The West is always strong and as usual there will be some teams that will miss the cut despite records over .500. Take the Suns last year who won 46 games that would’ve guaranteed them a playoff spot in the East.

However, the West is a different game, so let’s preview.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

Consider that the Lakers made a nice run without getting much out of their young guys, Andrew Bynum and Jordan Farmar. Add Ron Artest to the equation, and you may have yourself a repeat.

The Lakers have added Artest, who should be their designated defensive stopper. If the scenario unfolds where they are playing against a star like LeBron James, Artest could guard him, allowing Kobe to stay fresh.

Another element that Artest adds is his character; there will be no complacency with a squad that includes two of the fiercest competitors in this league in Bryant and Artest.

With the talent, the leadership, and the experience, I think the Lakers are destined for another finals appearance, assuming everyone stays healthy. There is really no reason that prevents them from securing another Western Conference title and perhaps another ring.

2. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs were decimated by injuries last season to key guys like Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. Duncan (chronic knee tendonitis) was slowed most of last season and Ginobili (various injuries) was only on the court for 44 games.

However, the Spurs are reloaded and have increased depth by adding Jefferson, an ironman who hasn't missed a game in the past two seasons. They also added Antonio McDyess, who should help the Spurs rest Duncan and DeJuan Blair, a second round draft pick who should also help with rebounding.

The only obstacle keeping the Spurs away from a Conference Finals date with the Lakers is the injury bug, because someone on their injury-plagued roster is bound to get hurt.

Tony Parker had a career year. Can he do it again?

If the Spurs stay healthy, they should really challenge the Lakers. This Gregg Popovich-coached team should be primed for another season where they can be considered title contenders.

3. Denver Nuggets

With Chauncey Billups around for a full season, I expect Melo to make a huge leap this year. I expect Melo to be a contender for the MVP award and maybe even win it.

Last year, the Nuggets got to the Western Conference Finals, but they didn’t improve their squad in the offseason. The only noteworthy addition they made was acquiring rookie Ty Lawson from the Timberwolves on draft day.

The defending champ Lakers got better adding Ron Artest. I assume the Nuggets think that a full season for 'Melo and J.R. Smith with Billups means that they can make a leap forward. The Nuggets also lost Dahntay Jones who played tough, gritty defense that was a big part of the playoffs, as Jones really got in Chris Paul’s face in the first round.

The Nuggets could make it back to the Western Conference Finals, but I think that staying pat this offseason could come back to bite them.

4. Portland Trail Blazers

The young Blazers should finally be able to break through. They are now more experienced with guys like Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge a year older.

The key man is center Greg Oden who has yet to justify his No. 1 overall pick due to not being on the court. Oden was basically a rookie last year. He played 61 games and he was in foul trouble most of the time.

However, Oden did show flashes. The 21-year-old center averaged seven rebounds in 21.5 minutes, so we know he could easily average double digit rebounds if he’s on the court longer. He also averaged just under nine points per game. You have to assume that it would go up if he were to be on the court longer.

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