The Lakers Repeat

NBA Live 10 and NBA 2K10 were already released for your gaming terms and NBA Fantasy Leagues are starting for sign-ups (I have my league at ESPN) which means NBA’s new season is on the horizon already.

Based from my last year’s prediction, here are the forgettable outlooks? Boston didn’t make it all the way (KG’s hurt), Wizards’ big fall as the worst team in the East, Pistons’ collapse as an elite team (because of the AI trade) and Denver’s rise.

So here are my predictions for the Western Conference. For me, the first 7 teams listed are sure play-off bound but as always the last slot will again be determine on the last day of the season for Suns, Clippers and Thunder.

#1 Lakers - The biggest winner of the offseason with the acquisition of Ron Artest. Forget about Ariza, Artest replaces everything with too much upside. The only question is will he be a distraction?
#2 Spurs - Richard Jefferson’s deal was a signature for the future. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are aging. Look’s like Tony Parker will have a running partner now.
#3 Nuggets - A full season that includes a trip to the conference finals, this team now learned how to play NBA basketball unlike AI’s tenure. But loss of Dahntay Jones and Linus Kleiza will be a big factor.
#4 Mavericks - With the arrival of Shawn Marion, this team will be a fun to watch but lack of size will keep them out early again in the play offs .
#5 Blazers - They addressed their need for a more experienced and intelligent point in Andre Miller. For me, this will be a make or break season for Greg Oden before putting a bust mark on his resume.
#6 Hornets - Time to shine for Emeka Okafor. The 2nd pick behind Dwight Howard will be playing with a talented point in Chris Paul. I hope injuries won’t slow them again like last season.
#7 Jazz - Dispose the distraction in Carlos Boozer, Paul Millsap already showed he can play a starter.
#8 Suns - Without Shaq, they can start running again as what they have loved. Fun to watch but not enough to compete with the elite teams.
#9 Thunder - The team on the rise for me this season. Kevin Durant’s steady improvement as well as the other young guys will make Oklahoma City a team to look forward to in years to come.
#10 Clippers - Get ready for Blake Griffin. With Baron Davis playing head-wise, this team can crack it out in the play offs.
#11 Warriors - The team falling this year. Lots of off-court issue to deal with. And Monta Ellis-Stephen Curry backcourt won’t definitely work.
#12 Rockets - No Yao, No T-Mac and no Artest. Want to say more?
#13 Grizzlies - At last, Allen Iverson has a home now and that’s the problem. Too many selfish players in there as Zach Randolph and OJ Mayo compete with Iverson with the ball.
#14 Wolves - Forget Ricky Rubio, he isn’t gonna play for this kind of team at all. Another wasted season for Al Jefferson.
#15 Kings - Kevin Martin will keep on pouring points for this team but will still be the worst team in the league.