N0. 21: Los Angeles Lakers
March 25, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Enter the Lakers. Who knows when Kobe will be back? And Dwight Howard is gone for better or for worse.
If the Magic is any sign, then losing Dwight could lead to a tough fall. But the team still has Pau (<) Gasol and Steve Nash, added good depth pieces with Wesley Johnson, Nick Young and Jordan Farmar and an above-average center in Chris Kaman.
Unfortunately, Mike D’Antoni is still the coach. Depending on how the team gels and when Kobe comes back, this team could make a playoff push.
Still, unlike last year, the Lakers is not considered a contender to take down the Heat going into the season.