An inside peek at the NBA's wild wild west

There’s a lot to look forward to in the upcoming NBA season. For the first time since the start of the decade we have a repeat champion, and a team going for three in a row.

There is a man who is trying to equal Michael Jordan’s six championship rings in Kobe, and like Jordan, he will try to do it in the same sequence, three-peat, pause, three-peat.

The NBA has a new villain in Lebron James, a new ‘big 3’, a new rivalry in Cavs v Heat, and a whole new set of superstars to look forward to.

Kevin Durant took a mighty leap forward last year in getting to superstar status, and has the potential to be the games most efficient and highest scorer.

John Wall, Blake Griffin, Evan Turner are some of the new faces to look forward to. Tracey McGrady and Allen Iverson are some of the old faces that are returning. With all the changes being made this year a couple of things have remained constant, the western conference is still very strong, and the Lakers are still the team to beat.

Here’s my take on how the western conference will shape out.

1. LA Lakers: They have made three finals in a row. Have undoubtedly the best closer, leader and feared player in the league in Kobe. His highlight reel in the playoffs was outstanding.

The key objective in the off season was resigning Fisher and Jackson, and using their mid level exception wisely. They signed a solid backup in Steve Blake, which is an improvement from Jordan Faamer.

Latest reports have Kobe in discussions with his old nemesis Raja Bell to sign for $1.8 million per season. Defensively very sound, can mix their play, and are proven winners in crunch time situations. Predict 60 plus games.

2. Dallas Mavericks: The end of last years season saw up to four teams battling for second place going into the final week, and a lot of jostling of position and favorable match-ups looked like occurring.

This year I don’t think anything of the sort will happen. Dallas has emerged as the clear No.2 in the west. They retained Dirk and Haywood, and initiated a trade for Tyson Chandler while ridding themselves of Eric Dampier. Expect another playoff run, but nothing more. A proven regular season team. Predict 55 games.

3. Utah Jazz: They lost their second best player in Boozer, but did acquire Al Jefferson from the Wolves. His game might suit the half court style the Jazz operate in, so I don’t expect Utah to be hurting too much.

Millsap, Al, and Kirilenko are an adequate front court who will cover for the loss of Boozer. They also have the best point guard in the west (he trumps Chris Paul only due to his durability). For some reason you never notice how well the Jazz are doing, but they are always there and there about.

The form team in the west heading into the playoffs, and I expect them to continue their form. Predict 53 Games

4. Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are in very very tough division. The hardest in the NBA. They will have to battle the Jazz, Thunder, and Portland more than anyone else in the league.

Compare this with the Atlantic and you will see. However, the Nuggets are a very good team, and their core has remained intact. The addition of Harrington to cover for the injured Martin was a decent move, and the only question lingering over the Nuggets is about George Karl. They are a better team with him, and no word has come out on his return. Predict 53 Games

5. Phoenix Suns: Despite losing their best scorer in Amare, and Barbosa, the Suns will still be playoff bound. They added Warrick Hakim and Hedo Turkoglu.

Remember in 2009 when Orlando made their playoff push with Hedo playing point forward? Or his time spent with the Kings playing high tempo ball? Well, I expect him to return to that kind of form with Steve Nash directing him around. He isn’t the same force as Amare, but I expect him to thrive in this system.

Steve Nash had his best statistical year last year, and I cant see him slowing down. Predict 52 wins

6. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant may have just become the MVP favorite with Lebron going to the Heat. He is hot favorite to lead the league in scoring.

They have a strong athletic core, and were one Pau Gasol put back away from taking the Lakers to game 7. Expect improvement, playoffs, and high scoring from Durant. Predict 51 wins

7. Portland: The Blazers could be as high as seed No.2 if they remain healthy. If Oden, Roy, Camby, Batum and Aldridge ever see game time together this could potentially be one of the best defensive teams in the league. But that is a big if, and may never happen. However, they are a very good team capable of producing upsets come playoff time.

They may struggle to hit 50 per cent, but are in a very tough division. Still one of the top ten teams in the west, and should secure spot No.7. Predict 49 games

8. The final seed is wide open for up to four teams to battle it out. It all comes down to a question of health. If the Spurs remain healthy, have Parker, Ginobli and Duncan together, they will secure the last spot.

If Houston have Yao Ming healthy, they will give the Spurs and Portland a run for their money. If CP3 recaptures his form from 2006-2008 he could well lift his team into playoff contention. However, those are all big ifs.

The smokey for the eighth spot has to be Memphis who acquired Tony Allen from the Celtics, resigned Rudy Gay, and surprisingly have a very productive Zach Randolph. OJ Mayo is spending time in the summer league to hone his skills, Marc Gasol has become a solid center, and the Grizzlies have playoffs in mind.

For once, I don’t think you will need at least 50 wins to get into the west playoffs, a mere tally of about 46 wins might just do it.