PACIFIC DIVISION
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in order of predicted finish
Third in NBA preview series: Southwest Oct. 22, Central yesterday, Southeast tomorrow, Northwest Sunday, Atlantic Monday, Celtics Tuesday
Los Angeles Lakers
Last season: 57-25, lost in NBA Finals
Coach: Phil Jackson
Starting five: PG Derek Fisher, SG Kobe Bryant, SF Trevor Ariza, PF Pau Gasol, C Andrew Bynum
Key additions: F-C Josh Powell
Key loss: F-C Rony Turiaf
Outlook: Keep an eye on how Bryant is physically this season after playing in the Olympics while nursing hand and knee injuries . . . Will Bynum overcome his knee injury to become the star center he is projected to be? . . . Interesting to see how the Lakers use forward Lamar Odom off the bench.
Phoenix Suns
Last season: 55-27, lost in first round
Coach: Terry Porter
Starting five: PG Steve Nash, SG Raja Bell, SF Matt Barnes, PF Amare Stoudemire, C Shaquille O'Neal
Key additions: Barnes, C Robin Lopez
Key loss: G Gordon Giricek
Outlook: The Suns will be much more defensive-minded under new coach Porter . . . O'Neal looks like he's in great shape and now has training camp under his belt with Suns . . . Lopez is expected to make an immediate impact with Phoenix.
Los Angeles Clippers
Last season: 23-59, missed playoffs
Coach: Mike Dunleavy
Starting five: PG Baron Davis, SG Cuttino Mobley, SF Al Thornton, PF Marcus Camby, C Chris Kaman
Key additions: Davis, Camby, G Eric Gordon, G Ricky Davis
Key loss: F Elton Brand, G-F Corey Maggette
Outlook: While Davis and Camby are both All-Star-caliber players, health is always a concern for both . . . Thornton will become one of the league's top young stars this season . . . Keep an eye on the hot-shooting.
Sacramento Kings
Last season: 38-44, missed playoffs
Coach: Reggie Theus
Starting five: PG Beno Udrih, SG Kevin Martin, SF John Salmons, PF Mikki Moore, C Brad Miller
Key additions: F-C Jason Thompson, G Bobby Jackson, F Donte Green
Key loss: F Ron Artest
Outlook: If healthy, Martin will be one of the NBA’s top scorers and most exciting players . . . The Kings will need Thompson and forward-center Spencer Hawes to be major contributors in the post off the bench to be competitive . . . Jackson will add leadership to relatively young team.
Golden State Warriors
Last season: 48-34, missed playoffs
Coach: Don Nelson
Starting five: PG Kelenna Azuibuike, SG Stephen Jackson, SF Corey Maggette, PF Al Harrington, C Andris Biedrins
Key additions: Maggette, F-C Rony Turiaf, G Marcus Williams, F Anthony Randolph
Key loss: G Baron Davis, G-F Mickael Pietrus
Outlook: The loss of star guard Monta Ellis due to ankle surgery until potentially January will be too much for Warriors to overcome . . . Keep an eye on the surprise rookie DeMarcus Nelson, who has been making starts in the preseason . . . Who will shoot more in this wild offense, Jackson or Maggette?
MARC J. SPEARS
