NBA Preview Western Conference

Sorry it took me a three days later but i had an exam to study for so lay off my ass. But here we go in the West

1. Los Angeles Lakers- Who else? I think they are very deserving of the top spot now having Andrew Bynum healthy as well as having Kobe Bryant on the MVP helps alot. His assists will be way up this year just dishing to either Bynum, and Pau Gasol. They very well could repeat as the Western champs again. Biggest worry for the Lakers is if Lamar Odom becomes unhappy with his role as the 6th man.

2. New Orelans Hornets- They have one of the best players in basketball in Chris Paul and a formidable front court with Tyson Chandler and David West. They are going to push the Lakers for the top spot all year long and there will be a race for MVP like one we havent seen in a long time. Also the addition of James Posey very key.

3. Houston Rockets- Here is a team that has all the tools IF they stay healthy. Also Tracy McGrady has to get it out of head that he cannot win in the playoffs and actually give a shit for once as he has a team that is a legit finals contender. I think Artest will be able to stay within himself and have a good year.

4. Utah Jazz- I like the talent they have in Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer and could be a force to reckon with if they do not see the Lakers in the second round which according to me they will. I think Williams will have a big year and everyone is talking about Ronnie Brewer being a sleeper as a great player this year.

5. San Antonio Spurs- First off Greg Popovich's beard is the coolest thing he has done even though he looks like Jigsaw from the Saw movies. Anyways, Manu Ginobili is a huge lost for them early in the season and the Spurs are close to being done from a contender. They wont finish better than fifth in my opinion and it could be alot worse.

6. Portland Trailblazers- Maybe I like this team so much because they remind of the Milwaukee Brewers of the NBA. They have so much young talent and I think in a long NBA season, plus a year of experience they will be a great team for years to come. Brandon Roy is on the verge of becoming a superstar in the NBA.

7. Los Angeles Clippers- I really like the Clippers in Baron Davis, Al Thornton, and Marcus Camby. I just think Davis is a player that can make a team into a playoff team see Charlotte, Golden State, and now it will be the Clippers. I expect big things out of Davis.

8. Phoenix Suns- I think they are no longer a contender and if this works out with get a Kobe-Shaq matchup in round one. I think O'Neal is washed up and is nowhere near as dominant as once was. Steve Nash is getting old and he was not an MVP by any means in a non D'Antoni system. I think they will be a playoff team but barely.

9. Dallas Mavericks- Another guy whose career has faded is Jason Kidd, sure he gets assists but rarely ever scores. They have guys like Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard but really dont have enough to be any better than a 7th seed. I think they just miss the playoffs.

10. Denver Nuggets- They better hope they can beat a team 130-120 because no one on that team plays defense whatsoever. Melo will have another good year same with AI but its nothing that will take them to be a playoff team. They do not have enough off the bench and the lost of Marcus Camby is huge.

11. Golden State Warriors- This team is a mess. I loved Monta Ellis and his 30 game suspension was huge to the players and everyone else. Al Harrington demanding a trade and everything seems to be going to hell. I would be shocked if they make the playoffs.

12. Minnesota Timberwolves- The T-Wolves have a bunch of great young talent that hasnt developed just yet. The hype for Kevin Love is ridiculous because he will never be better than a second guy off the bench although Al Jefferson will be an All-Star this year.

13. Sacramento Kings- Another team thats pretty boring, they got a couple guys like Kevin Martin whose a complete workhouse and also have Francisco Gracia who I wouldnt be surprised if he puts a dagger in Milwaukee because he is an asshole like that.

14. Memphis Grizzlies- I will tell you these last three teams I have mentioned could all be contending for a playoff spot in two years so many good young players in Mike Conley, OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay, but they really have no one else.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder- Really a spot where this team belongs after the snake Clay Bennett brought them there. Kevin Durant and Jeff Green are good but Durant still needs muscle on his body to be effective. Watch out for Russell Westbrook this year too.

Thats all I got, probably an NBA article once or twice during every week.

-Charlie.