NBA Midseason Grades: Western Conference

Los Angeles Lakers (Grade A)

What's not to love about this team? They picked up a solid 20-10 guy every night, in Pau Gasol, to go along with an improved Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, and arguably the best player in the NBA in Kobe Bryant.

GM Mitch Kupchak deserves all of the credit for not trading Kobe in the off season and not giving up any of the Lakers' core talent. This team is set for many more years, and once again will be a contender for a title for years to come.

Memphis Grizzlies (Grade D+)

Their record will indicate that they have a terrible team, but Rudy Gay has officially arrived in the NBA, and could be a solid 20-7 guy every night for this team. Their trade of Pau Gasol has officially put this team in rebuilding mode, and has given them substantial cap room in years to come to pick up a top free agent. But until then, they'll have to deal with many L's.

Minnesota Timberwolves (Grade C-)

Let's face it, this team wasn't expected to do anything special this season. Their lone bright spot has been Al Jefferson, and because of him they don't deserve to get any lower than a C-. He has shown that he can be a great low-post presence that the Wolves can build around him in the years to come.

New Orleans Hornets (Grade A)

How can anyone not root for this team? After a tumultuous last couple of seasons, coupled with Hurricane Katrina and key injuries, this team finds itself in the top three in the Western standings, and tied with Dallas for their division.

Point guard and MVP-candidate Chris Paul has lifted this team to new heights, and with forward David West and center Tyson Chandler having career years, the Hornets have surprised everybody. Their only concern come playoff time is their inexperience.

Phoenix Suns (Grade B)

With the top spot in the West, you'd think their grade would be higher, but with chemistry issues and still not committed to playing defense, they're given a solid B. The Shawn Marion situation earlier in the year caused friction between him and his teammates and coach, which could have affected his play.

Marion got his wish and he was shipped to Miami for Shaquille O'Neal, which doesn't make a whole lot of sense because Shaq can't run with the offense. The Suns are hoping he can be that defensive presence that they sorely need. Until the Suns prove they can advance to the Finals, a B is all they deserve.

Portland Trail Blazers (Grade B+)

The most surprising team in the league has improved leaps and bounds over the expectations coming into this season. Their recent slide has brought them back down to earth, but for awhile they were the hottest team in the league.

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