3. Los Angeles Lakers
Best-case scenario: Phil Jackson restores stability, Kobe Bryant enjoys an MVP-type season and Lamar Odom becomes the Lakers' version of Scottie Pippen – a point forward facilitating the offense. Kwame Brown emerges as a front-court force and the Lakers take the Pacific.
Worst-case scenario:Bryant suffers through an injury-plagued season, Odom isn't comfortable in the triangle offense and the Lakers' lack of a point guard stifles them at both ends of the floor. Brown still doesn't figure it out and he's a non-factor up front. L.A. misses the playoffs for the second season in a row.
[b]Outlook: The Lakers will be much improved over last season, but they're thin up front and at the point guard spot. Jackson will bring them together, however, and Kobe and Odom are good enough together to make this a playoff club. If the rest of the division falters, which is a distinct possibility, the Lakers could sneak in and win the Pacific.
4.Golden State Warriors
Best-case scenario: Baron Davis stays healthy all season, the Warriors race past opponents with their run-and-gun attack and Golden State returns to the postseason for the first time in 12 years.
Worst-case scenario:Davis' injury troubles continue, and Golden State's talented corps of wing players struggles to mesh without him. The Warriors limp to another losing season.
Outlook:Golden State was a very good team at the end of last season. If Davis stays healthy, it's not inconceivable to see this club make a run not only for the playoffs, but also for the division title. Still, that's a big "if," and the Warriors need to convince themselves – and everyone else – that they're ready to make the jump.
