Who’s got it?

A new season is on the horizon.
Most fans are even more excited this year.
Amidst the replacement referees, all the talk of the 2010 offseason, many lost track of what each team did this offseason.

Not anymore. Here is the latest rundown on who became or remained a championship contender entering this season. Only legit contenders make this article. (These are in no particular order)

1)The defending World Champion L.A. Lakers.
It had to be said. They are the number one contender entering this season. I hate Kobe. I hate Phil. No personal convictions will ever defy the truth. An upgrade at the small forward position could put this team over the edge. With Ron Artest in and Trevor Ariza out, the Lakers gain a lot, but could potentially fold (more on this later). When it came down to it, re-signing Lamar Odom was probably the biggest move this offseason for the Lakers because without his versatility, boost off the bench, and emotion, the Lakers would be lost. Their bench would remain without a leader, a veteran presence.
Their overall depth along with a massive front-court, ahem Bynum, who play well on both ends of the floor, along with the Black Mamba, this team will be hard to dethrone.
Artest could end up being a tremendous addition and potentially lead this team to a repeat, but there is always that chance that things blow up. If he could keep his emotions in check and accept his role as the third or even fourth option on the floor, then there shouldn’t be a problem. Prove us wrong Ron Ron.
2) San Antonio Spurs*
Now the asterisk means one simple thing: If the Spurs stay healthy all year, and I mean all year, they might have the talent to take down the Lakers. With the addition of a scoring small forward in Richard Jefferson, the Spurs may have too many offensive options for a defense to affectively defend. While Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili attract the double teams, Jefferson will be waiting to drain three after three. Aside from the overall talented core of players, the Spurs also have the NBA’s best coach in Greg Popovich. It is a wide known fact that Duncan or Parker are never treated differently than Matt Bonner or the rookie Dejaun Blair and that is a huge determinant in being able to keep the ego’s at bay, at a distance. Just to add quickly, the addition of Antonio McDyess brings another grizzled vet into the lineup, but also someone who could defend well and knock down the open jumper.
3) Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets bring back the same core that took them to the West Finals last season, but with the addition of some very solid role players, they could very well be back. Aaron Aflalo and Joey Graham should fill the void left by departed swingman Linas Kleiza. Graham already seems to be making a dent into the rotation with J.R. Smith suspended for the first seven games, which allows him to get a feel and develop a comfort for the offensive and defensive strategy. Coach Karl has his team prepared behind a superstar in Carmelo Anthony and a very mature and talented point in Chauncey Billups. Nene, Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen have become a dominant force in the paint in all aspects of the game. Nene, fresh off his first healthy season, is looking to duplicate the success he had last season and Andersen, fresh off a new contract, will provide that defensive and hustle spark off the bench that every contender so desperately needs.
4) Boston Celtics
KG is back. Everyone heard Doc Rivers on PTI yesterday. He is healthy and the same ol’ beast. This team from top to bottom matches any other team in talent. There is no reason why this team shouldn’t win the title this year. Keeping the three amigos healthy and happy, adding Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels, this team is HOT. Big Baby Davis is back and his role has lessened, giving the Celtics so much depth in their frontcourt that an injury would not seriously hinder their ability to compete. Rajon Rondo is eager to prove he is worth the max deal; Ray Allen is trying to prove he still has it, and I believe both will perform. Paul Pierce is one of the most overlooked superstars in today’s game. No matter the superstar added to the mix, KG or Allen, Pierce has remained the constant go-to player for this franchise for over ten seasons. That consistency and their overall ability to defend will give this team, barring any major injury, a return to glory.
5) Cleveland Cavaliers
Lebron James. ‘Nuff said. Just playing. Along with The King, the Cavs have drastically improved their overall depth and acquired the perfect role players to complement the greatest talent the NBA has seen in quite some time. The loss of Wally Szcerbiak was easily filled by the addition of former Maccabi Tel Aviv standout Anthony Parker. He is actually an upgrade from Wally’s World. He can shoot the three at a high percentage and he can take it to the rack, which is exactly what the Cavs needed. Also, Jamario Moon, a highflying athlete that can run the break and finish gives Lebron some options on the fast break. The Big Aristotle coming to town could make or break this franchises opportunity at the Larry O’brien. Shaquille O’neal has now had the opportunity to play along side the three marquee players in this generation. And what was the result? Kobe Bryant (3 titles), Dwyane Wade (1 title), and now he must bring a championship to Lebron and co. in Cleveland. Can he deliver? He believes in himself and his supporting cast, and heck, how could we not? Big Zydrunas Ilgauskas will split time under center for the club, which will bring a change of pace that many teams cannot handle. Oh, and there is this Lebron character that will post 30, 8 and 8: nightly.
6) Orlando Magic
Last season’s runner up has improved their team from top to bottom. The departure of Hedo Turkoglu may have seriously helped this franchise in that they were able to sign Vince Carter, a perennial all-star who can create his own shot, and live off the double teams Dwight Howard attracts in the paint. With a career scoring average of 23.5 ppg, Carter will allow this team to rise to another level. Ryan Anderson, a “throw in” with Vinsanity in the trade with New Jersey, has been lighting up the scorecard in the preseason, nailing jumper after jumper, and he should easily replace what Hedo previously had. By re-signing Marcin Gortat and luring Brandon Bass from Dallas, the Magic has the depth in the frontcourt that they sorely lacked in the Finals against the Lakers. Also, with the addition of Matt Barnes and Jason Williams, they bolster a backcourt that was outplayed for much of the playoffs last year. Jameer Nelson is back, healthy and ready to continue on his All-star season he had cut short last year. This team is dangerous, and flying under the radar, just finishing off an undefeated preseason. The depth of this team is scary.

Well that will do it. Remember, these are the serious contenders. If you were looking for the Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trailblazers and the like, they won’t be found in this list, although both of those teams look VERY good.
Of course I must end this with a Finals prediction, and I cannot see myself going against the grain, that is what David Stern believes will bring the most profit.

Finals matchup :
Lakers vs. Magic, yes a rematch.