Sorry my articles have not been htere for a few days.  I am writing this while on vacation.

Lamar Odom and the Los Angeles Lakers have come to terms and most of the championship team will be intact.  The major change will be Ron Artest replacing Trevor Ariza.

This is an imposing lineup, but I don't know how good it will be.  First, Artest isn't getting any younger and he is known to be an unusual fellow.  His defense as of late is suspect and his offense is good, but streaky.

You have to consider, was Odom playing in a contract year?  He had a solid year, but it was a year he was playing to get good money.

Kobe Bryant is back, but he is another year older.  How will he do?  Probably the best scorer in the game and Finals MVP, no question, can he do it again?

The most consistent player on the roster is Pau Gasol.  He brings solid offense and marshmellow defense every night.  He can block shots, but he seems late on rotations and is a pushover on man-to-man.

The big questionmark for the Lakers is Andrew Bynum.  He has played excellent defense and shoots a high percentage, but can he stay healthy?  That's the critical question.

This will be a good team, but the Spurs acquiring Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess to go alongside who I think is the current best coach in the NBA, Greg Popovich, is going to be too much for the Lakers.

Denver losing Dahntay Jones was critical and htey don't have the depth to compete in the stacked west.

My wild card is Dallas.  Shawn Marion is one of the best defenders in the game.  He is a big-time player who was a critical part of the Phoenix postseason.  I doubt it will be enough for the offensive-minded Mavericks but I could be wrong.

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