Los Angeles Lakers

It's traditional to consider the defending champions as the favorites to repeat -- though we haven't seen a team win consecutive NBA titles since Shaq and Kobe's Lakers won three straight in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

This year's Lakers seem poised to, at the very least, make a run at yet another title, but the team has at least one major question to answer -- how will Ron Artest fit in?

2008-09 Recap

Record: 65-17 (.793)

• First in Pacific Division
• #1 Seed in Western Conference Playoffs

What Went Right: The Lakers rolled to the Pacific title and top seed in the West, finishing 19 games ahead of Phoenix in their division and 11 ahead of Denver and San Antonio in Conference. Only the Cavaliers had a better record. They emerged as one of the toughest defensive teams in the league, and Pau Gasol -- in his first full season with the team -- developed into an ideal complement to Kobe Bryant. Trevor Ariza became a key part of the rotation down the stretch and in the playoffs, as a defensive stopper and clutch scorer.

What Went Wrong: Not much -- they did with the title, after all. But center Andrew Bynum was hobbled once again by injury, and limited to just 50 games.

Offseason Moves

Key Additions: Ron Artest (free agent)
Key Subtractions: Trevor Ariza (Houston)

The Lakers effectively traded Ariza for Ron Artest; Ariza left LA for a free-agent deal with the Rockets, and the Lakers signed Artest away from the Rockets as his replacement. On paper, Artest is a better version of Ariza -- an excellent defender at the small forward spot, who has the strength and agility to defend two guards and power forwards. But Artest is also the Lakers' biggest question mark. Will he behave himself? Will he play within the Lakers' system? Has he lost a step? The answers to those questions could well determine whether or not the Lakers can repeat as champs.

The Lakers' other major offseason move was re-signing forward Lamar Odom.

2009-10 Outlook

The Lakers' rotation is more or less set, but the starting five is in flux. Coach Phil Jackson may opt to use a smaller, more athletic starting five, with Gasol on the middle, Odom and Artest at the forwards and Bryant and Derek Fisher at the guards. Or, he could use Bynum in the middle to start games and bring Odom off the bench.

Either way, the Lakers should coast to another Pacific Division title, but could face a stiffer challenge in the playoffs; San Antonio looks deeper than in in years past and Portland should continue to improve with experience, and the Nuggets, Hornets, Mavs and Jazz should all be tough. Still, Kobe and company will open the season as huge favorites to represent the West in the 2010 NBA Finals.

Fantasy Notes

Odom's fantasy value increases if he's in the starting lineup -- especially as a power forward; there aren't many NBA fours who can hang with Odom, who plays like a 6-10 point guard. Derek Fisher played 30 minutes per game last season, but he should give up some of that playing time to Jordan Farmar this year. Bynum has a ton of potential, but is a risky pick due to his injury history.