Lakers begin season in cloud of uncertainty

By: JOHN NADEL - Associated Press | Tuesday, October 30, 2007 12:11 AM PDT ∞

LOS ANGELES -- Kobe Bryant remains a Laker -- for now.

Because of the difficulty involved in trading an NBA superstar, Bryant could play in a Los Angeles uniform for days, weeks or months, no matter how much he wants out or those in charge wish to move him.

Bryant professes to be very close to his coach and quite fond of his teammates. That's right, the same teammates he essentially badmouthed last spring when he complained about a lack of talent around him and asked to be traded.

"We have a good time together. We have a great chemistry," Bryant said. "We get along on and off the court."

The front office? That's clearly another matter, especially since Lakers owner Jerry Buss said earlier this month that he would listen to offers for Bryant, making his remarks after things had quieted with the start of training camp.

Bryant called the front office a mess when he asked to be traded five months ago. The Lakers had lost 27 of their last 43 games to finish 42-40 in the regular season, then were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in five games in the first round of the playoffs.

Now, he's saying nothing of the sort.

"It's not my job to be worried about what management is doing. I voiced my frustrations over the summer and I just leave it there. When I'm here, wherever I'm at, I'm ready to go," Bryant said recently, sounding resigned to staying put.

With that in mind, Bryant pointed to improved defense as a must if the Lakers are going to accomplish anything of substance in the rugged Western Conference this season.

"We're doing better. That's something we're all focusing on," Bryant said. "It's just about helping out as a unit. As a group, that's how you win ballgames. Defense is the key in the playoffs, no doubt about that."

Once adversaries, Bryant and coach Phil Jackson have grown close, to the point where Jackson has served as a confidante since the two-time reigning scoring champion asked to be traded.

In fact, the 62-year-old Jackson has been offered a contract extension, but hasn't signed it yet, meaning this could be his final year as coach of the Lakers. He signed a three-year, $30 million contract before the 2005-06 season.

But even Jackson became peeved recently, saying Bryant doesn't appear to be giving his all.

"Obviously he hasn't thrown his heart and soul into performing on the floor," Jackson said over the weekend. "That hurts me a little bit. ... He was going to work at this thing and put his full being into this. Right now, he's having a hard time doing that."

Bryant, who missed the Lakers' final preseason game because of a sprained right wrist, said Jackson had nothing to worry about.

"That (should be) the least of his concerns or anybody's concerns," Bryant said. "You don't have to worry about that. ... I'm ready to play, period. You don't have to worry about me."

Bryant is expected to play Tuesday night when the Lakers open the season against Houston.

The Lakers haven't won a playoff series since Shaquille O'Neal was traded and Jackson left following the 2003-04 season. And that's the basis of Bryant's discontent.

But the Lakers have said they're not going to trade Bryant unless it's worth their while. The 29-year-old star is owed $88.6 million over the next four seasons, but can terminate his contract in two years.

Bryant also holds the NBA's only no-trade clause, and has a trade kicker of more than $9 million spread over two years for salary-cap purposes, meaning teams basically have to come up with players earning at least $20 million this year to make a deal, making it even more difficult to move him.

It seems unlikely the Lakers would trade him to a West team, further limiting their options.

The Lakers weren't able to accomplish much in the way of offseason additions, with Derek Fisher the only newcomer of substance, although first-round draft pick Javaris Crittenton has impressed.

Fisher should help, since he figures to be a steadying influence and defensive upgrade in the backcourt.

"Stability. He's extremely steady, a knockdown shooter," Bryant replied when asked what Fisher brought to the team.

Bryant and Fisher were teammates with the Lakers from 1996-2004.

"We just picked up right where we left off," Bryant said.

Oft-injured Lamar Odom, recovering from offseason surgery on his left shoulder, isn't quite ready to go, leaving the Lakers without their leading rebounder and second-leading scorer from last season for at least a few games.

"We've been without him since the start of training camp, so we have a way to play," Jackson said. "Last year we didn't have Kobe and we found a way to win our first two games without him."

Ronny Turiaf is likely to replace Odom in the starting lineup.

The Lakers are hopeful veterans Chris Mihm and Kwame Brown, and young Andrew Bynum will do a better job in the middle than last year, when Mihm couldn't play because of an injured ankle, Brown missed 41 games due to ankle and shoulder injuries, and Bynum faded badly down the stretch.

"Us going through a lot of stuff has made the team closer," forward Luke Walton said. "Everybody's out there communicating, talking. Fish has done a great job of bringing everybody together."

Fisher is more of a leader now than he was in his first stint with the Lakers.

"I like our talent," he said. "We have some versatility and depth at several positions. Defensively, we still have a long way to go, how to cover for each other and protect each other on the floor.

"It seems at this point, there are more expectations from the outside than from the inside. I think at this point, we're still searching for who we are. We can't get ahead of ourselves and think we're the best team in basketball on Oct. 30.

Fisher has a different take than Bryant regarding team chemistry.

"I think it's just average right now," Fisher said. "We have a young team. A lot of guys are getting to know each other. I think we can be a team that has great chemistry."

And, he added, be successful if healthy.

"Yeah, no question," Fisher said. "We need all of our guys to make that happen. If you don't have all of your guys for 70, 75 games, it's hard to win 50 games. We need everybody."

NBA 2007-08 Top Five

1. San Antonio Spurs -- Magic Johnson coined the term "winning time" but the philosophy lives on today through Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Gregg Popovich. These guys are stone-cold killers in the clutch as their perfect four-for-four record in the NBA Finals shows. Will those gratuitous crowd shots of Eva shot ever get old?

2. Dallas Mavericks -- These are not quite the Monsters of the Metroplex, but as you no doubt recall they finished nine games ahead of the eventual NBA champions during the regular season last seasonn. Mark Cuban's chances of finding the right reality TV project are about as likely as Dirk Nowitizki turning down an open jump shot.

3. Detroit Pistons -- Leftover Ben Wallace afros are being stored in the same warehouse as thousands of matted rally monkeys. Thankfully, the Pistons do have Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince, all in the prime of their careers. I lay 5-to-2 that Rasheed Wallace be ejected from a game this season just for mentioning the name Tim Donaghy.

4. Phoenix Suns -- The fine citizens of the Valley of the Sun are still steamed at David Stern. Get over it! Steve Nash and Amare Stoutemire could be the most successful passing combo since Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. So how bitter is Shawn Marion that he wants to be traded from this team. Yeah, pretty bitter.

5. Boston Celtics -- Should the NBA consider launching an insider-trading investigation into the deal that Danny Ainge and Kevin McHale pulled off to bring Kevin Garnett to the Garden? Wait until the new Attorney General is confirmed. Doc Rivers will have a little work to do blending Garnett with star personalities such as Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.

-- Tom Sheridan, North County Times

Western Conference

B>PACIFIC DIVISION

Phoenix Suns

Coach: Mike D'Antoni, fifth season with Suns, sixth overall; 212-145.

Last season: 61-21, lost to San Antonio 4-2 in second round of playoffs.

Starting five: G Steve Nash (18.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 11.6 apg), G Raja Bell (14.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.5 apg), F Grant Hill (14.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.1 apg), F Shawn Marion (17.5 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 2.0 spg, 1.7 apg), C Amare Stoudemire (20.4 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 1.3 bpg).

Key additions: F Hill (free agent, Magic); F Brian Skinner (free agent, Bucks.)

Key losses: F Kurt Thomas (trade, SuperSonics).

All eyes on: Hill. A natural fit in Phoenix because of his handling and passing abilities. But questions remain about whether his wheels can withstand an 82-game season playing at the Suns' pace.

Outlook: From Marion's unhappiness to Stoudemire's minor knee surgery, there are enough preseason concerns to make Suns fans fret. But once the season starts they can focus on playing basketball, and few teams do that better.

Golden State Warriors

Coach: Don Nelson, second season of second stint with Warriors, 29th season overall; 1,232-920.

Last season: 42-40, lost to Utah 4-1 in second round of playoffs.

Starting five: G Baron Davis (20.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 8.1 apg), G Monta Ellis (16.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.1 apg), F Stephen Jackson (16.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.6 apg), Al Harrington (17.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.3 apg), C Andris Biedrins (9.6 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 1.7 bpg).

Key additions: G Marco Belinelli (draft, No. 18), F Brandan Wright (trade, Bobcats), G Troy Hudson (free agent, Timberwolves.)

Key losses: G Jason Richardson (trade, Bobcats); C Adonal Foyle (free agent, Magic)

All eyes on: Biedrins. Sure, the Warriors want to play fast and let it fly from the outside, but there has to be some interior presence. That responsibility falls to the 6-foot-11 center from Latvia.

Outlook: Darlings of the postseason used small-ball schemes to shock league-best Dallas in the first round, but the Warriors won't sneak up on anybody now. It's up to Nelson to cook up something else that will make his team a winner in the West.

Los Angeles Lakers

Coach: Phil Jackson, third season of second stint with Lakers, 17th season overall; 919-393.

Last season: 42-40, lost to Phoenix 4-1 in first round of playoffs.

Starting five: G Derek Fisher (10.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 3.3 apg), G Kobe Bryant (31.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.4 apg), F Luke Walton (11.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.3 apg), F Lamar Odom (15.9 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 4.8 apg), C Andrew Bynum (7.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.6 bpg).

Key additions: F Fisher (free agent, Jazz); G Javaris Crittenton (draft, No. 19).

Key losses: G Smush Parker (free agent, Heat).

All eyes on: Bynum. Jason Kidd or perhaps Jermaine O'Neal could be playing in Los Angeles if the Lakers would have agreed to part with their third-year center. After a poor finish last season, Bynum needs to take a giant leap forward to prove he was worth keeping around.

Outlook: A seventh-place team the past two seasons, the Lakers didn't do anything this summer that makes an improvement seem likely. But as usual, Bryant makes the Lakers worth watching -- to see if he can win a third straight scoring title, or if he'll be dealt before the trade deadline.

Sacramento Kings

Coach: Reggie Theus, first season.

Last season: 33-49, missed playoffs.

Starting five: G Mike Bibby (17.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.7 apg), G Kevin Martin (20.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.2 apg), F Ron Artest (18.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.1 spg), F Kenny Thomas (5.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.2 apg), C Brad Miller (9.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.6 apg).

Key additions: F Mikki Moore (free agent, Nets), C Spencer Hawes (draft, No. 10).

Key losses: F Corliss Williamson (retired).

All eyes on: Miller. Bothered by foot problems, his scoring average tumbled six points from previous season. With Kings unsure when Hawes can play following knee surgery, 31-year-old Miller may have to play more minutes than previously hoped.

Outlook: Though Martin was terrific, longtime core players Bibby and Miller had poor seasons, and Kings just didn't seem to enjoy playing for Eric Musselman. Theus brings a more upbeat attitude.

Los Angeles Clippers

Coach: Mike Dunleavy, fifth season with Clippers, 15th season overall; 550-566.

Last season: 40-42, missed playoffs.

Starting five: G Sam Cassell (12.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 4.7 apg), G Cuttino Mobley (13.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.5 apg), F Corey Maggette (16.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.8 apg), F Al Thornton (rookie), C Chris Kaman (10.1 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.6 bpg).

Key additions: F Ruben Patterson (free agent, Bucks); F Thornton (draft, No. 14), F Brevin Knight (free agent, Bobcats), F Josh Powell (free agent, Warriors).

Key losses: None.

All eyes on: Thornton. With Elton Brand out until at least February because of a ruptured Achilles' tendon, Clippers need the forward from Florida State, last season's ACC scoring leader, to make a quick adjustment to the NBA.

Outlook: Injuries ruined the Clippers' playoff hopes last season, and they probably will this season as well. With Brand and Shaun Livingston likely out until the second half of the season, it's up to Cassell and Maggette to keep Los Angeles competitive.

NORTHWEST DIVISION

Denver Nuggets

Coach: George Karl, fourth season with Nuggets, 20th season overall; 829-582.

Last season: 45-37, lost to San Antonio 4-1 in first round of playoffs.

Starting five: G Allen Iverson (24.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 7.2 apg), G J.R. Smith (13.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.4 apg), F Carmelo Anthony (28.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.8 apg), F Nene (12.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.2 apg), C Marcus Camby (11.2 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 3.3 bpg).

Key additions: G Chucky Atkins (free agent, Grizzlies), F Steven Hunter (trade, 76ers)

Key losses: F Reggie Evans (trade, 76ers); G Steve Blake (free agent, Trail Blazers)

All eyes on: Kenyon Martin. Trying to pull off successful return from microfracture surgery on both knees. Planned to take it slow during preseason, but with Nene still recovering from calf injury at FIBA Americas tournament, Nuggets glad to see K-Mart back.

Outlook: A full season of Anthony and Iverson will be exciting, but Nuggets' success ultimately hinges upon Camby, Martin and Nene avoiding their injuries and staying on the floor.

Utah Jazz

Coach: Jerry Sloan, 20th season with Jazz, 23rd season overall; 1,035-689.

Last season: 51-31, lost to San Antonio 4-1 in Western Conference finals.

Starting five: G Deron Williams (16.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 9.3 apg), G Ronnie Brewer (4.6 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 0.4 apg), F Andrei Kirilenko (8.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.1 bpg), F Carlos Boozer (20.9 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 3.0 apg), C Mehmet Okur (17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.0 apg).

Key additions: G Jason Hart (free agent, Kings), G Ronnie Price (free agent, Kings), F Morris Almond (draft, No. 25).

Key losses: G Derek Fisher (free agent, Lakers).

All eyes on: Kirilenko. Fell out of favor with demanding Sloan last season and lost his confidence, with his scoring average dropping seven points to a career-low 8.3. But Kirilenko reminded people how skilled he is while leading Russia to the European championship, and if he's patched things up with Sloan, should have a bounce-back season.

Outlook: Utah has a terrific young point guard in Williams, who figures to be even better after spending the summer learning from Jason Kidd while playing with USA Basketball.

Portland Trail Blazers

Coach: Nate McMillan, third season with Blazers, eighth season overall; 265-294.

Last season: 32-50, missed playoffs.

Starting five: G Jarrett Jack (12.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 5.3 apg), G Brandon Roy (16.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.0 apg), F Travis Outlaw (9.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 0.8 apg), F LaMarcus Aldridge (9.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.2 bpg), C Joel Przybilla (2.0 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.6 bpg).

Key additions: F Channing Frye (trade, Knicks), G Steve Blake (free agent, Nuggets), G James Jones (trade, Suns).

Key losses: F Zach Randolph (trade, Knicks), C Jamaal Magloire (free agent, Nets), F Ime Udoka (free agent, Spurs), F Fred Jones (trade, Knicks).

All eyes on: Frye. Played so well in New York two years ago that he earned a first-team spot on the All-Rookie team, and Knicks president Isiah Thomas refused to include him in trades. His role and effectiveness decreased in second season, but perhaps they'll return with a fresh start across the country.

Outlook: It was a lot better before No. 1 overall draft pick Greg Oden had microfracture knee surgery, ending his first season before practice even began. After trading leading scorer Randolph on draft night to make room for Oden, Portland needs big second seasons from Rookie of the Year Roy and Aldridge, who now becomes the best big man in Portland.

Seattle Supersonics

Coach: P.J. Carlesimo, first season with Sonics, seventh season overall; 183-222.

Last season: 31-51, missed playoffs.

Starting five: G Luke Ridnour (11.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 5.2 apg), G Kevin Durant (rookie), F Wally Szczerbiak (15.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.7 apg), F Chris Wilcox (13.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.0 apg), C Nick Collison (9.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.0 apg).

Key additions: G Durant (draft, No. 2), F Jeff Green (draft, No. 5 by Boston, then traded to Seattle), F Kurt Thomas (trade, Suns), F Szczerbiak (trade, Celtics), G Delonte West (trade, Celtics).

Key losses: G Ray Allen (trade, Celtics), F Rashard Lewis (trade, Magic).

All eyes on: Green. All the attention obviously goes to Durant, the clear favorite for Rookie of the Year. But the Big East player of the year from Georgetown was acquired for Allen and should eventually replace Lewis, so he's got high expectations to live up to.

Outlook: SuperSonics will be good, but it probably won't be this season and it might not be in Seattle. As good as Durant is, the bottom line is Sonics are moving on without their two best players, and that will take time.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Coach: Randy Wittman, second season with Timberwolves, fourth overall; 74-132.

Last season: 32-50, missed playoffs.

Starting five: G Randy Foye (10.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.8 apg), G Marko Jaric (5.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.1 apg), F Ryan Gomes (12.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.6 apg), F Al Jefferson (16.0 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 1.5 bpg), C Theo Ratliff (2.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.5 apg).

Key additions: F Jefferson (trade, Celtics), F Gomes (trade, Celtics), C Ratliff (trade, Celtics), G Sebastian Telfair (trade, Celtics), G Gerald Green (trade, Celtics), F Corey Brewer (draft, No. 7), G Greg Bucker (trade, Mavericks), F Juwan Howard (trade, Rockets); F Antoine Walker (trade, Heat).

Key losses: F Kevin Garnett (trade, Celtics), G Mike James (trade, Rockets), G Trenton Hassell (trade, Mavericks), G Troy Hudson (free agent, Warriors); G Ricky Davis (trade, Heat), C Mark Blount (trade, Heat).

All eyes on: Jefferson. When the Wolves finally decided to trade Garnett, the 22-year-old Jefferson was the key player they got back. He may never be Garnett, but he's expected to be very good someday.

Outlook: Wolves couldn't win with Garnett, and they're not going to win after trading him, either.

SOUTHWEST DIVISION

San Antonio Spurs

Coach: Gregg Popovich, 12th season; 576-276.

Last season: 58-24, won NBA championship.

Starting five: G Tony Parker (18.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 5.5 apg), G Michael Finley (9.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.3 apg), F Bruce Bowen (6.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.4 apg), F Tim Duncan (20.0 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 2.4 bpg), C Fabricio Oberto (4.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 0.9 apg).

Key additions: F Ime Udoka (free agent, Trail Blazers).

Key losses: None.

All eyes on: Parker. Between wedding to Eva Longoria in Paris and playing for the French national team in the European championships, the NBA finals MVP didn't exactly rest much over the summer. The Spurs need him to be in top form, because there aren't many other young legs on the roster.

Outlook: Spurs couldn't even get out of the second round in the season following each of their first three championships. But if Duncan, Parker and Manu Ginobili play at the level they did in the second half of last season, this could be the team to finally repeat.

Dallas Mavericks

Coach: Avery Johnson, fourth season; 143-39.

Last season: 67-15, lost to Golden State 4-2 in first round.

Starting five: G Devin Harris (10.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.7 apg), G Jason Terry (16.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 5.2 apg), F Josh Howard (18.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.8 apg), F Dirk Nowitzki (24.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 3.4 apg), C DeSagana Diop (2.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.4 bpg).

Key additions: G Eddie Jones (free agent, Heat), G Trenton Hassell (trade, Timberwolves)

Key losses: G Greg Buckner (trade, Timberwolves).

All eyes on: Nowitzki. The honored guest in perhaps the most hollow MVP award ceremony ever, since Mavericks had already been ousted by Warriors in first-round shocker. The German star was criticized for both his play and leadership in that series, so he's got some critics to silence this season.

Outlook: After blowing a 2-0 lead to the Heat in the 2006 NBA finals, the Mavs' playoff poise was thrown into further question after Golden State ousted them in perhaps the biggest upset in postseason history.

Houston Rockets

Coach: Rick Adelman, first season with Rockets, 17th overall; 752-481.

Last season: 52-30, lost to Utah 4-3 in first round of playoffs.

Starting five: G Rafer Alston (13.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 5.4 apg), G Tracy McGrady (24.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 6.5 apg), F Shane Battier (10.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.1 apg), F Luis Scola (first season), C Yao Ming (25.0 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.0 bpg).

Key additions: F Scola (trade, Spurs); G Steve Francis (free agent, Trail Blazers); G Mike James (trade, Timberwolves)

Key losses: F Juwan Howard (trade, Timberwolves).

All eyes on: Scola. After he spent years as one of best players in Europe, Spurs dealt the Argentine star's rights to their intrastate rivals just as Scola was finally coming to United States. If the MVP of this summer's FIBA Americas tournament makes a quick adjustment to the NBA, he upgrades one of the only weaknesses in the Houston lineup.

Outlook: Rockets have the league's best inside-outside tandem in Yao and McGrady, and a new offense to get the best out of them with Adelman replacing the defensive-minded Jeff Van Gundy.

New Orleans Hornets

Coach: Byron Scott, fourth season with Hornets, eighth overall; 244-290.

Last season: 39-43, missed playoffs.

Starting five: G Chris Paul (17.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 8.9 apg), G Morris Peterson (8.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.7 apg), F Peja Stojakovic (17.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 0.9 apg), F David West (18.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.2 apg), C Tyson Chandler (9.5 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 1.8 bpg).

Key additions: G Peterson (free agent, Raptors), F Julian Wright (draft, No. 13)

Key losses: F Desmond Mason (free agent, Bucks), D Devin Brown (trade, Cavaliers).

All eyes on: Chandler. Had a breakout season in his first year with Hornets after trade from Bulls, and he should only be better after spending summer playing for United States. A potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

Outlook: Full-time return to New Orleans is good news for the city but not necessarily for the Hornets, who lose out on the home-court advantage they had in Oklahoma City.

Memphis Grizzlies

Coach: Marc Iavaroni, first season.

Last season: 20-62, missed playoffs.

Starting five: G Damon Stoudamire (7.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 4.8 apg), G Mike Miller (18.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.3 apg), F Rudy Gay (10.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.3 apg), F Pau Gasol (20.8 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 3.4 apg), C Stromile Swift (7.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.2 bpg).

Key additions: G Mike Conley (draft, No. 4), G Juan Carlos Navarro (trade, Wizards), F Darko Milicic (free agent, Magic).

Key losses: G Chucky Atkins (free agent, Nuggets).

All eyes on: Navarro. Grizzlies acquired his draft rights when he was finally set to give the NBA a try. If he keeps Spanish countryman and good buddy Gasol happy, and displays the form that has long made him one of Europe's best guards, it goes down as one of the summer's best moves.

Outlook: From Gasol's broken foot in the offseason to dropping to fourth in the draft lottery when they had the best chance of winning it, there wasn't much that went right last season for the Grizzlies.

Eastern Conference

ATLANTIC DIVISION

Boston Celtics

Coach: Doc Rivers, fourth season with Celtics, ninth season overall; 273-312.

Last season: 24-58, missed playoffs.

Starting five: G Rajon Rondo (6.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.8 apg), G Ray Allen (26.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.2 apg), F Paul Pierce (25.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.1 apg), F Kevin Garnett (22.4 ppg, 12.8 rpg, 4.1 apg), C Kendrick Perkins (4.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.3 bpg).

Key additions: C Garnett (trade, Timberwolves); G Allen (trade, SuperSonics), F James Posey (free agent, Heat), G Eddie House (free agent, Nets).

Key losses: C Al Jefferson (trade, Timberwolves), F Ryan Gomes (trade, Timberwolves), F Wally Szczerbiak (trade, SuperSonics), G Delonte West (trade, SuperSonics), G Gerald Green (trade, Timberwolves), G Sebastian Telfair (trade, Timberwolves).

All eyes on: Rondo. With three superstars around him, the second-year point guard has to take care of the ball and make sure all of them get it in the spots they like. And he'll have to hit open jumpers, because teams will double off him to help on others.

Outlook: Getting Garnett and Allen, both perennial All-Stars, in offseason trades to team with Pierce makes the Celtics an immediate threat again in the East. But they have to stay healthy, because there's not much talent around them.

New Jersey Nets

Coach: Lawrence Frank, fourth season, 157-129.

Last season: 41-41, eliminated by Cleveland 4-2 in second round of playoffs.

Starting five: G Jason Kidd (13.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 9.2 apg), G Vince Carter (25.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.8 apg), F Richard Jefferson (16.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.7 apg), F Jason Collins (2.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 0.6 apg), C Nenad Krstic (16.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.8 apg).

Key additions: F Malik Allen (free agent, Bulls), G Darrell Armstrong (free agent, Pacers), C Jamaal Magloire (free agent, Trail Blazers).

Key losses: F Mikki Moore (free agent, Kings), F Clifford Robinson (not re-signed).

All eyes on: Jefferson. Limited to 55 games last season by injury, and his scoring average dropped for the second straight season. The term "Big Three" gets used often in New Jersey, but it only fits in Boston now unless Jefferson can reach the elite level he once seemed destined for.

Outlook: Favored to win the division at the start of the season, the Nets nearly traded Kidd and broke the team up at the trade deadline before a late surge got them into the playoffs. Again opted to keep the team together, and should be improved if Krstic and Jefferson can play close to a full season at a high level.

Toronto Raptors

Coach: Sam Mitchell, fourth season, 107-139.

Last season: 47-35, lost to New Jersey Nets 4-2 in first round of playoffs.

Starting five: G T.J. Ford (14.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 7.9 apg), G Anthony Parker (12.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.1 apg), F Andrea Bargnani (11.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 0.8 apg), F Chris Bosh (22.6 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 2.5 apg), C Rasho Nesterovic (6.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.1 bpg).

Key additions: G Carlos Delfino (trade, Pistons), F Jason Kapono (free agent, Heat).

Key losses: F Morris Peterson (free agent, Hornets).

All eyes on: Kapono. Attention on Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade got Kapono plenty of open looks last season, and he shot 51.4 percent from 3-point range to lead the NBA and earn a multiyear deal from the Raptors. Toronto loves to shoot the 3, and Kapono will be worth the money if he keeps making them.

Outlook: Surprising division champions last season behind the tandem of Bosh and Ford, combined with strong performances from a number of lesser-known players from Europe. With teams now familiar with their personnel, it'll be a challenge for Raptors to stay on top.

New York Knicks

Coach: Isiah Thomas, second season with Knicks; fifth season overall, 164-164.

Last season: 33-49, missed playoffs.

Starting five: G Stephon Marbury (16.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 5.5 apg), G Jamal Crawford (17.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.4 apg), F Quentin Richardson (13.0 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.2 apg), F Zach Randolph (23.7 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 2.2 apg), C Eddy Curry (19.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 0.8 apg).

Key additions: F Randolph (trade, Trail Blazers); F Fred Jones (trade, Trail Blazers).

Key losses: G Steve Francis (trade, Trail Blazers), F Channing Frye (trade, Trail Blazers).

All eyes on: Richardson. Was having a good year before back injury ended his season a month early. A strong defender and rebounder on a team that does neither well, Knicks need his 3-point shooting to open room on the inside for Curry and Randolph.

Outlook: Had a shot at the playoffs in 2006-07 before collapsing after late-season losses of Crawford, Richardson and sixth man David Lee. If Curry-Randolph pairing works, Knicks could be a postseason team this time if they can avoid injuries.

Philadelphia 76ers

Coach: Maurice Cheeks, third season with 76ers; seventh season overall, 235-230.

Last season: 35-47, missed playoffs.

Starting five: G Andre Miller (13.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 7.3 apg), G Willie Green (11.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.5 apg), F Andre Iguodala (18.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.7 apg), F Reggie Evans (4.9 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 0.7 apg), C Samuel Dalembert (10.7 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 1.9 bpg).

Key additions: F Evans (trade, Nuggets), F Thaddeus Young (draft, No. 12) F Jason Smith (trade, Heat).

Key losses: F Joe Smith (free agent, Bulls), F Steven Hunter (trade, Nuggets)

All eyes on: Cheeks. Kept his team playing hard all season after the departures of Allen Iverson and Chris Webber, even getting the 76ers to the fringe of the playoff race to earn his return this season. But with Larry Brown still sitting there as executive vice president, the questions about Cheeks' job security will return once the losses come.

Outlook: Iguodala isn't far from an All-Star level and Miller is a solid point guard, but that's about it for Philadelphia.

CENTRAL DIVISION

Chicago Bulls

Coach: Scott Skiles, fifth season with Bulls, eighth season overall; 272-235.

Last season: 49-33, lost to Detroit 4-2 in second round of playoffs.

Starting five: G Kirk Hinrich (16.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 6.3 apg), G Ben Gordon (21.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.6 apg), F Luol Deng (18.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.5 apg), F Tyrus Thomas (5.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.1 bpg), C Ben Wallace (6.4 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 2.0 bpg, 1.4 spg).

Key additions: F Joakim Noah (draft, No. 9); F Joe Smith (free agent, 76ers).

Key losses: F P.J. Brown (free agent).

All eyes on: Hinrich. Perhaps worn down by long season, shot only 38 percent in the playoffs. Took summer off to rest, and now may need a big season to get himself back into the mix for a shot at the 2008 Olympic team.

Outlook: If the Bulls avoid the slow starts that have plagued them in recent years, there's no reason why Chicago can't compete for home-court advantage in the East. And if they do struggle, the Bulls still have enough good, young pieces to make a good trade offer if necessary.

Detroit Pistons

Coach: Flip Saunders, third season with Pistons, 13th season overall; 528-373.

Last season: 53-29, lost to Cleveland 4-2 in Eastern Conference finals.

Starting five: G Chauncey Billups (17.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 7.2 apg), G Richard Hamilton (19.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.8 apg), F Tayshaun Prince (14.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.8 apg), F Rasheed Wallace (12.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.7 apg), C Antonio McDyess (8.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 0.8 bpg).

Key additions: G Rodney Stuckey (draft, No. 15); G Arron Afflalo (draft, No. 27); F Jarvis Hayes (free agent, Wizards).

Key losses: C Chris Webber (free agent, still unsigned), G Carlos Delfino (trade, Raptors).

All eyes on: Jason Maxiell and Stuckey. Pistons have a veteran starting five that has played together for years, but sorely need some youth and athleticism. These two will be asked to bring it off the bench, though Stuckey won't for a while because of broken left hand that will cost him about six weeks.

Outlook: With five straight trips to the conference finals, the Pistons remain one of the NBA's most consistent teams. But after losing in that round the last two years, the question now is whether they are still an elite one.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Coach: Mike Brown, 3rd season; 100-64.

Last season: 50-32, lost to San Antonio 4-0 in NBA finals.

Starting five: G Daniel Gibson (4.6 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.2 apg), G Larry Hughes (14.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.7 apg), F LeBron James (27.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 6.0 apg), F Drew Gooden (11.1 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.1 apg), C Zydrunas Ilgauskas (11.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.3 bpg).

Key additions: G Devin Brown (free agent, Hornets).

Key losses: G Sasha Pavlovic (free agent, still unsigned), F Anderson Varejao (free agent, still unsigned), G David Wesley (trade, Hornets).

All eyes on: James. May have fixed his only real weakness over the summer, displaying a terrific jumper at the Olympic qualifying tournament after shooting just 36 percent in the NBA finals. If he hits consistently from the outside, he is all but unguardable.

Outlook: Hard to determine until it's known if Pavlovic and Varejao, a starter and top reserve, will be back after contract negotiations dragged slowly through the offseason into October.

Indiana Pacers

Coach: Jim O'Brien, first season with Pacers, sixth overall; 182-158.

Last season: 35-47, missed playoffs.

Starting five: G Jamaal Tinsley (12.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 6.9 apg), G Mike Dunleavy (12.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.8 apg), F Danny Granger (13.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.4 apg), F Jermaine O'Neal (19.4 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 2.6 bpg), C Troy Murphy (11.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.6 apg).

Key additions: None.

Key losses: G Darrell Armstrong (free agent, Nets).

All eyes on: Dunleavy. Averaged 14 points, three above his career average, in 43 games after trade from Warriors. That's the kind of scoring that's expected but has too infrequently been provided by the player who was chosen No. 3 overall in the 2002 draft.

Outlook: Something stopped working last season in Indiana. The Pacers tried changing players during the season in a big trade with the Warriors, but when that didn't solve the problem, they decided to change coaches by replacing Rick Carlisle with O'Brien.

Milwaukee Bucks

Coach: Larry Krystkowiak, second season; 5-13.

Last season: 28-54, missed playoffs.

Starting five: G Mo Williams (17.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 6.1 apg), G Michael Redd (26.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.3 apg), F Desmond Mason (13.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.5 apg), F Charlie Villanueva (11.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg; 0.9 apg), C Andrew Bogut (12.3 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 3.0 apg).

Key additions: F Yi Jianlian (draft, No. 6), F Mason (free agent, Hornets), C Jake Voskuhl (free agent, Bobcats).

Key losses: F Ruben Patterson (free agent, Clippers), G Earl Boykins (free agent), F Brian Skinner (free agent, Suns).

All eyes on: Yi. Rare for a player picked so high to come with so many questions, ranging from how old he is to how good he is. He has refused to comment on the first one -- it's long been rumored he's older than the 20 he'll be listed at on opening night -- but it won't take long to start seeing answers to the latter one.

Outlook: Injuries ravaged this team last season, but things are looking up after a good summer. Bucks persuaded Yi to come and Williams to stay, and Redd was terrific playing for U.S. team in Olympic qualifier.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION

Orlando Magic

Coach: Stan Van Gundy, first season with Magic, fourth season overall; 112-73.

Last season: 40-42, lost to Detroit 4-0 in first round of playoffs.

Starting five: G Jameer Nelson (13.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.3 apg), G Keith Bogans (5.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.0 apg), F Hedo Turkoglu (13.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.2 apg), F Rashard Lewis (22.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.4 apg), Dwight Howard (17.6 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 1.9 bpg).

Key additions: F Lewis (trade, SuperSonics), C Adonal Foyle (free agent, Warriors).

Key losses: F Grant Hill (free agent, Suns), F Darko Milicic (free agent, Grizzlies)

All eyes on: Lewis. Though he was the most sought-after free agent available, Magic took some criticism for giving too much to get him. That will be forgotten if Lewis teams with Howard to give Orlando two All-Stars in the frontcourt.

Outlook: Getting Lewis to play and Van Gundy to coach made it a good offseason for Orlando. With Lewis, Turkoglu and J.J. Redick at the 3-point line and Howard in the paint, the Magic will have a number of ways to hurt teams.

Miami Heat

Coach: Pat Riley, 11th season with Heat, 24th season overall; 1,195-627.

Last season: 44-38, lost to Chicago 4-0 in first round of playoffs.

Starting five: G Jason Williams (10.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 5.3 apg), G Dwyane Wade (27.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 7.5 apg), F Ricky Davis (17.0 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.8 apg), F Udonis Haslem (10.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.2 apg), C Shaquille O'Neal (17.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.4 bpg).

Key additions: F Davis (trade, Timberwolves), C Mark Blount (trade, Timberwolves), G Smush Parker (free agent, Lakers), G Penny Hardaway (free agent), G Daequan Cook (draft, No. 21 by 76ers, traded to Heat).

Key losses: F Antoine Walker (trade, Timberwolves), F Jason Kapono (free agent, Raptors), F James Posey (free agent, Celtics), G Eddie Jones (free agent, Mavericks), G Gary Payton (not re-signed), C Michael Doleac (trade, Timberwolves).

All eyes on: Hardaway. Last played in the NBA in the 2005-06 season, when he appeared in four games for the New York Knicks. Hasn't been a significant player since well before then because of leg injuries, but if he can stay healthy and contribute he probably goes down as Miami's best offseason addition.

Outlook: Take Wade and O'Neal off the floor, and this is one of the most mediocre lineups in the NBA. And since Wade will be out for perhaps the first month of the season while recovering from offseason surgery, and Shaq certainly will at some point, there will be some rough nights in Miami.

Washington Wizards

Coach: Eddie Jordan, fifth season with Wizards, seventh season overall; 186-239.

Last season: 41-41, lost to Cleveland 4-0 in first round of playoffs.

Starting five: G Gilbert Arenas (28.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 6.0 apg), G DeShawn Stevenson (11.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.7 apg), F Caron Butler (19.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 3.7 apg), F Antawn Jamison (19.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.9 apg), C Brendan Haywood (6.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.1 bpg).

Key additions: G Nick Young (draft, No. 16).

Key losses: F Jarvis Hayes (free agent, Pistons)

All eyes on: Haywood. With Etan Thomas forced to undergo open heart surgery, Haywood is the only true center remaining on the roster. Unhappy and seemingly unwanted at the end of last season, he's needed now to provide interior defense, rebounding and shot blocking for an otherwise poor defensive team.

Outlook: Injuries to All-Stars Arenas and Butler made for an ugly end to what was otherwise a fine season in Washington.

Charlotte Bobcats

Coach: Sam Vincent, first season.

Last season: 33-49, missed playoffs.

Starting five: G Raymond Felton (14.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 7.0 apg), G Jason Richardson (16.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.4 apg), F Gerald Wallace (18.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.0 spg), F Emeka Okafor (14.4 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 2.6 bpg), C Primoz Brezec (5.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 0.4 bpg).

Key additions: G Richardson (trade, Warriors), F Jared Dudley (draft, No. 22).

Key losses: G Brevin Knight (free agent, Clippers).

All eyes on: Felton. With athletic wings in Wallace and Richardson, first-year coach Vincent plans to have Bobcats play an up-tempo style. With Knight gone, Felton has the keys to the offense all to himself, and the speed to make it work.

Outlook: With a good core of young, athletic players, Bobcats should continue to progress this season, and are a popular pick as a sleeper team that could seize a playoff berth.

Atlanta Hawks

Coach: Mike Woodson, fourth season, 69-177.

Last season: 30-52, missed playoffs.

Starting five: G Speedy Claxton (5.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 4.4 apg), G Joe Johnson (25.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 4.4 apg), F Josh Smith (16.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2.9 bpg), F Marvin Williams (13.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.9 apg), C Zaza Pachulia (12.2 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.5 apg).

Key additions: F Al Horford (draft, No. 3), G Acie Law IV (draft, No. 11).

Key losses: None.

All eyes on: Law. Fans cried out for years for Hawks to draft a point guard, especially after they passed on Chris Paul and Deron Williams in 2005. Atlanta finally went for one with its second lottery pick, and the former Texas A&M star has some good young weapons around him when he's on the floor.

Outlook: Atlanta's players showed improvement last season, especially Johnson, who was perhaps the best player nobody was watching before season-ending leg injury.

-- Associated Press