Once upon a time in the NBA there were 4 hall of fame players Gary, Karl, Kobe, and Shaq. They all played for one team and were led into battle by a hall of fame coach named Phil. They were destined to play for the NBA title in 2004. But...

• The Sack of Wicked Queens from up North who are falling fast from first and could tumble to the 2nd or even 3rd seed.
• The Texas Duncan Spurs defending champions. Hopefully no longer as powerful without David gone.
• The Minnesota Garnetts licking there chops for another victory in the 1st round.
• Memphis West Grizzlies what can you say about a franchise that never saw the playoffs and then the NBA logo (Jerry West) shows up and boom! They make the playoffs for the first time just 2 years after Zeke from Cabin Creek took over the Gm position. Lakers need to guard against mutany after the season. Don't be surprised if you see former Lakers (if they don't win a title) in Tennessee.
• The Big D's Cuban SpoiledmoneyMachine Mark Cuban has money has fun and has no championships. He's a huge donor for the league. Can Nash and Nowitski carry the Mavs to the NBA title and fulfill Mark's biggest dreams. This achievement while attainable looks a bit too far for this team to reach.
• Jerry's Kids A scrappy team with a lack of big name players. If the Lakers face the Jazz in the 1st round could be long and hard battle.
• Melo's (I only play when I feel like it) or for Laker fans called Club Courtwatch
• The Portland now Sheedless unstables The team the Lakers have their hand full with.

While the LA Lakers transformation is almost complete from being the LA Limpers finishing the season undefeated will bode well for the Lakers as the first round creeps in a few weeks from now.

While the Queens could be the team to beat in the West. The first round opponent of the Lakers is important for the rest of the playoffs. The Lakers could choose to dominate opponents with a mix of showtime basketball and individual skills and have it carry over round by round until the parade, or they could stumble fumble and cry themselves into the off season.

When and how all this unfolds stay tuned...