L.A. Lakers: Five Teams in the West That Could Leapfrog the Lake Show

The two-time defending champion Lakers are 34-16 on the season and are tied for second in the Western Conference.

They are 5-5 in their last 10 games and since Christmas are 0-5 against Miami, San Antonio, Dallas and Boston--the top teams in both conferences.

The Lakers have all the talent necessary to win again, but need to find a way to stay healthy and keep that fire lit beneath them in the coming months if they want to have a real shot at another NBA title.

The Western Conference is not as dominant as it once was, but there are still a few teams that could give the Lakers a legitimate run for their money.

Here's a look at five teams that could jump over the Lakers and take the Western Conference this season.

5. Denver Nuggets

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 21: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on as he warms up for the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center on January 21, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 107-97. NOTE TO USE

Naturally, this is contingent on Carmelo Anthony's status, but as it stands now the Nuggets are the fifth seed in the West and have a lot more fire power than the teams trailing them, and maybe even a few teams in front of them.

Denver has been a complete underachiever so far this season, and the one thing that could turn this season around for them is if they actually hold on to Carmelo.

And he starts playing out of his mind.

The Nuggets lead the league in scoring, but they are not good enough defensively right now to truly battle for supremacy in the conference.

They have a ton of talent on this team with plenty of players that could turn it on at any moment and become a serious threat.

But should Carmelo leave, it is all for naught.

4. New Orleans Hornets

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PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 30: Chris Paul #3 of the New Orleans Hornets puts up a shot over Steve Nash #13 and Channing Frye #8 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on January 30, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Hornets

The 32-19 New Orleans Hornets have a solid core, play very good defense, and have one player that can really elevate the entire team in Chris Paul.

They also have a stable starting lineup that has played together almost every game this season--a big time positive going forward for a playoff team.

The Hornets do not score a lot of points per game, but they have the ability to play opponents tight defensively.

Chris Paul, David West and Emeka Okafor are a good group to have for the postseason, and Trevor Ariza's experience is a huge bonus.

3. San Antonio Spurs

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OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 24: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs stands for the National Anthem before their game against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on January 24, 2011 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges an

The league's best team is playing phenomenal basketball right now, and they are basically defying age at this point.

Coach Popovich has found a way to revitalize the core of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, getting the most out of his aging stars, while not pushing them so hard that fatigue or injury becomes a factor.

They have all the experience needed for a postseason series.

They have become one of the league's highest scoring teams, which is quite a contrast to their former championship teams.

The reason they are not higher on this list is because they would have to maintain an unbelievable pace and hope nothing goes wrong, especially health-wise, to actually win the West.

San Antonio could certainly win the Western Conference, but it would be easier for them if someone took out the Lakers along the way.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 10: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball over D.J. Mbenga #28 of the New Orleans Hornets at New Orleans Arena on December 10, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Thunder defeated the Hornets 97-92.

The Thunder took the Lakers to the brink last season, and their youth and athleticism will certainly be beneficial come the postseason.

Last season will be a big confidence boost for them if they were to match up with Los Angeles again this postseason. Everything the Thunder do well could make them the team to knock the Lakers out, even if they do not win the West themselves.

They score a lot of points per game at fifth in the league and do have capable defenders.

The one thing that could do them in is the lack of a forceful big man in the post, and that could be quite damaging in the postseason. 

The Thunder may not win the West, but they may have the best shot to take out the Lakers.

1. Dallas Mavericks

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NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: Jason Kidd #2 of the Dallas Mavericks high fives team mate Dirk Nowitzki #41 against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 2, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

The Mavericks play tough defense and can explode at any time, even when people think they are not playing well and possibly need another piece to the puzzle.

They're still tied for the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference with the Lakers and have the players to get it done.

It is likely that Dallas will make a move before the trade deadline, with possibilities ranging from "renting" Carmelo for the rest of this season to bringing in a veteran like Stephen Jackson or Antawan Jamison to help ease the loss of Caron Butler.

If they do go out and acquire one more piece to make the run through the West, they are the best option to knock the Lakers off the top of the Western Conference.

Lakers Stay On Top

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 03: Pau Gasol #16, Andrew Bynum #17, Kobe Bryant #24 and Derek Fisher #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers head to the bench after a time out trailing the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Staples Center on February 3, 2011 i

Los Angeles is still the two-time defending champions with Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, and a number of experienced postseason players that all know what it takes to get it done for an NBA title.

Despite poor play, they still have to be the favorite in the Western Conference when all is said and done.

Yes, all runs do eventually have to come to an end, but as of now there really is not a team that may be able to go toe-to-toe with L.A. in a seven game series and come out alive.

The Lakers may lose these regular season games here and there, but they will start winning again and once they're in the postseason it will not matter.