Contenders

The Los Angeles Lakers will no doubt become contenders. They don't have SHAQ but they certainly have Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson and his supporting cast is just getting better and better.

Andrew Bynum is a 7ft monster who'll average 14 points and 12 rebounds for years to come. Right now, he's averaging 10ppg and 9rpg but you can bet what Kobe said will make his impact earlier.
Jordan Famar is doing much better. He'll probably be the Lakers best back-up since Lindsey Hunter. He may even get starting minutes and he already beat star rookie Jarvis Critterion who in my opinion should join Coby Karl in the D-League.

With Derek Fisher back, the triangle runs more smoothly with Luke Walton and Lamar Odom.

Odom is probably just struggling because he's still coming off that injury he had and adjusting. He's someone who I believe can still work even though he's inconsistent. Don't doubt him.

Ronny Turiaf is also growing and has been competing for a starting spot against Vladmir Radonomic who has been superb. They're overrated but there's no doutb that this is the best Kobe has. Young Talent and Fisher, Odom and Vlad. Oh yeah, Trevor Ariza will be the guy giving them a better line-up to match faster teams. Someone can do the guarding while Kobe does the scoring.

Not this year, No championship. Maybe they stay behind the suns and get 50 wins if Bynum improves and the bench and support comes nightly.


Denver Nuggets.
George Karl is probably hoping Chucky Atkins can get better. Allen Iverson can score and pass but they'll be better once they have a good PG-SG rotation with J.R. Smith, Iverson, Atkins and Anthony Carter.

Carmelo Anthony is the prime suspect in every game. He works on both sides and is growing into that elite status of the NBA. He's in his prime and will make Denver and championship contender.

While Marcus Camby stays healthy, Nene and Kenyon Martin need to get it together and recover fast to win. Martin is on the fast-track but it will take a while to get back in the swing he was when the Nets reached the finals.

With Eduardo Najera and a recovering Nene, the Nuggets won't get it together for a good 50-win team but may at least go above .500 for their standings. When they're fully healthy with Anthony, Martin, Iverson and Smith making buckets all night, it'll be a better match versus Dallas, San Antonio, Phoenix and Houston. Health and consistency is the key.