since the last season, I think the Kings are the best and the most enjoyable team in the league. I believe the Spurs just won the NBA last season because Webber and Nowitzki were injured. I mean, it's not their fault, it doesn't make the Spurs title less valuable, but I believe that.
This season, if you look all the starting lineups, no team can beat the Lakers. they have 4 all stars, and if they all play fine, the Lakers can make a better record than Chicago's 70-12.
But of course these troubles with Kobe Bryant can make him a little worse, Shaq is not the same monster he was some years ago, and Malone and Payton may not play as fine as they did when they owned their teams in Utah and Seattle.
the Mavs are amazing too, they have 7,8 great players, but I think they don't have a decisive player, a man that could give them the win with a last second shoot, so I don't think they can be the champions, at least if they keep having this decisive lack. My guess is that either the Lakers or the Mavs will win be first in the West, propably them both will be first spot in their divisions, but the Lakers and the Kings are the best playoff teams. I don't know why, I don't believe the Spurs...

In the East, I think (and I hope) the Pistons are the best team. I'm a Piston fan and I'm very excited with the new squad we have. but no east team can be champion.