NBA Preview: Pacific Division

1. Los Angeles Lakers (56-26).

The Lakers were a good, maybe a great team last year. The addition that LA will get this year is Andrew Bynum, who missed a lot of last season. Who knows, if the Lakers had him in the playoffs they might have won some rings. 

Kobe Bryant seems to be in the prime of his career, and with Bynum continuing to grow as a player, they could be looking at a duo similar to that of Kobe-Shaq. It will take some time for Bynum to get to Shaq Status, but so far, he's been getting better each year.

In Phil Jackson, the Lakers know they have a legitimate shot at making it back to the Finals. In my opinion, Jackson is probably the second best coach in NBA history next to Red Auerbach, and if Jackson can win a couple more titles in LA, he may top the list.

There's no reason that the Lakers shouldn't be considered as one of the best teams in the league. They should get to 56 this year.

2. Phoenix Suns (53-29).

I think Phoenix has a shot to be somewhat of a sleeper pick this season.

Mike D'Antoni is out, and Terry Porter is in. I don't really like this hire all that much, but I think it was more the players in Phoenix than it was D'Antoni when this team was winning 60 games. 

Steve Nash is still a premier point guard, and people are saying that the Lakers have this division no problem. I disagree. The Suns are a great team. I mean, come on- Shaquille O'Neal is still right up there as one of the best bigs in the game. Yeah, he has some miles on his knees, but don't be shocked if the Suns make some noise this year.

In the past the Suns have been a completely offensively oriented team. This changes with Porter as coach. If the Suns can continue to have their fast-paced offense, with a new emphasis on D, I like Phoenix's shot at getting to the post-season. 

3. Los Angeles Clippers (43-39).

The Clippers are a tough team to read this year. They lost Elton Brand and Corey Maggette, but they added Baron Davis, Marcus Camby, and Ricky Davis. 

I'd like to view the Clippers off-season as a push, but I think losing Brand will cost them some wins this year. Adding Camby is big, no doubt, and the Clippers will be better than they were last year when Brand missed nearly the whole season.

The Clippers aren't going to be bad this year, and I think 40 wins in the West would be an accomplishment for any team that is slightly above average such as the Clippers. 

Something to watch for from LA is the development of Al Thornton, a second-year player who has tons of potential to be a star. Averaging just under 13 points and about 5 rebounds a game last year, Thornton will be the starter rather than vet Ricky Davis.

And don't forget rookie guard Eric Gordon from Indiana.

Looking at the roster, the Clippers look pretty good. However, looking at the conference, I think everybody looks pretty good. 

4. Golden State Warriors (43-39).

Very similar to the Clippers, the Warriors are a good team that will miss the playoffs. 

Typically, 43 wins gets you a ticket to the post-season, but not lately. Golden State is pretty much going to be the same team they were last year. The loss of Baron Davis to division-foe LA (Clippers) won't be as bad as it seems, because once Monta Ellis gets back he'll be just as good.

I think there's a really good chance that Ellis could become a top-tier point guard in the next few years. Team him up with Al Harrington, Andris Biedrins, and Corey Maggette and you have a team that can compete.

The Warriors missed out on the playoffs on the last day of the regular season last April, and while that's fresh in their minds, I find it hard to imagine other bubble teams such as Dallas and Portland missing out on the playoffs.

Positive things to look for in the Bay Area this year are Marco Belinelli and Brandan Wright. Don't get discouraged Warriors fans, this team will be back in the playoffs soon.

5. Sacramento Kings (36-46).

The Pacific is one of the strongest divisions in the league, and at the bottom this year, you'll find the Sacramento Kings.

They got Kevin Martin, he's great. But when you look at the rest of their starters what's there? Brad Miller? Always injured and a waste of $11 million. Mikki Moore? He's been a second-stringer or worse for his whole career. 

I'll give an ounce of props to Beno Udrih, who averaged 12.8 points and just over 4 assists a game last season, and the jury is still out on John Salmons. 

It will take some time before we can determine if the Bibby for Shelden Williams trade was good for the Kings. As of now, Atlanta seems to have gotten a better player. Williams averaged only 4 points and 3.2 boards a game last season.