L.A. Lakers (65-17)

Lakers' topsy-turvy offseason involved bringing back Phil Jackson and Lamar Odom, losing Trevor Ariza and adding Ron Artest. Yep, showtime is back in Los Angeles.

Orlando Magic (59-23)

Orlando had quite a shake-up in the offseason as well, but the additions of Vince Carter and Brandon Bass make the Magic the favorites coming out of the East.

Boston Celtics (62-20)

The Celts now boast a healthy KG, the newly-acquired Rasheed Wallace and the battle-tested Glen Davis and Kendrick Perkins on their front line.

Cleveland Cavaliers (66-16)

Cleveland addressed its hole in the middle with the acquisition of Shaq, but Anthony Parker's outside shooting will also help.

San Antonio Spurs (54-28)

The addition of RJ and return of Manu will both factor heavily into the Spurs' resurgence. And don't forget about DeJuan Blair who's on a mission.

Denver Nuggets (54-28)

Do not sleep on this team. Chauncey and Carmelo are ready to lead the Nuggets beyond the disappointing end of last season.

Dallas Mavericks (50-32)

Shawn Marion was a nice addition to Rick Carlisle's team, but Marcin Gortat is the piece that would have really helped the Mavs contend in the West.

Portland Trail Blazers (54-28)

Locking up LaMarcus Aldridge to a long-term deal means we can expect to see the Blazers contending in the West for years to come.

Atlanta Hawks (47-35)

The Hawks got what they needed in the offseason by bringing in veteran big men and combo guards that can score. Can they now crack the top three in the East?

New Orleans Hornets (49-33)

Can Chris Paul turn Emeka Okafor into the offensive threat that he made Tyson Chandler? If so, the Hornets could be tough this year.

Utah Jazz (48-34)

Boozer might not last the entire season, but his presence gives Utah one of the deepest teams in the league.

Washington Wizards (19-63)

A near lock for the most improved team in the NBA simply by getting healthy. They'll need Jamison to be OK, though.

Chicago Bulls (41-41)

Losing Ben Gordon will hurt come playoff time, but the experience this crew got against the Celtics last year will prove invaluable.

Miami Heat (43-39)

Dwyane Wade is still one of the greatest players in the world, but Miami got weaker — not stronger — with its lack of offseason moves.

Indiana Pacers (36-46)

Seems like the Pacers have more "glue guys" than any other team in the league. Meanwhile, this is the year that Danny Granger becomes a household name.

L.A. Clippers (19-63)

Barring injury, the Clips' starting five should be able to compete with any team in the league.

Phoenix Suns (46-36)

Another year older and whadda ya get? Phoenix will try to run and gun once again, but their collective legs are not nearly as fresh as they once were.

Oklahoma City Thunder (23-59)

Surprised to see them ranked this high? Don't be. Westbrook, Durant and Green are ready to make the leap.

Toronto Raptors (33-49)

Look for the Raptors to make a run in the East this year. Time will tell whether or not they're for real, but the pieces are certainly in place.

Houston Rockets (53-29)

Without Yao and McGrady, the Rockets should take on more of a "Junkyard Dog" attitude. The problem is solving the riddle of where the points will come from.

Charlotte Bobcats (35-47)

Losing Raja Bell for a while hurts the defensive makeup of Larry Brown's squad, but Gerald Henderson will have an opportunity to prove himself right away.

Detroit Pistons (39-43)

The Pistons were busy in the offseason, but how long will it take them to mesh? If the odds and ends come together, we could be looking at a playoff team.

Golden State Warriors (29-53)

Nellie won't have any trouble getting his team to put the ball in the basket, but swiss cheese defenses are rarely found in the DNA of successful teams.

New York Knicks (32-50)

New York will get up and down the court again this season, and with Nate Robinson and David Lee both back, look for it to result in more wins.

Philadelphia 76ers (41-41)

If Eddie Jordan can use Elton Brand effectively, the Sixers could be dangerous in the East. Lou Williams and Thad Young are both primed to break out this year.

Memphis Grizzlies (24-58)

AI and Zach Randolph will get their looks, but how much will it take away from the maturation of Mayo and Gay?

Minnesota Timberwolves (24-58)

The "Tough Luck T-Wolves" get Al Jefferson and Corey Brewer back and promptly lose Kevin Love for six-to-eight weeks.

Milwaukee Bucks (34-48)

The return of Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut from injury will help, but after the departure of Richard Jefferson, the supporting cast is MIA in Milwaukee.

New Jersey Nets (34-48)

New Jersey's hopes rest on the shoulders of Devin Harris and Brook Lopez, but don't be shocked if Terrence Williams gives Blake Griffin some competition in the ROY race.

Sacramento Kings (17-65)

Sacramento's young nucleus of Tyreke Evans, Spencer Hawes and Jason Thompson will have this team ready to compete in a few years.