WESTERN CONFERENCE
Pacific Division

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Last season: 56-26, won second straight NBA title by going 15-1 in the postseason.
Coach: Phil Jackson, second season with Lakers, 123-41, 12th season overall, 612-208.
Added: G Mitch Richmond (free agent, Wizards), G Lindsey Hunter (trade with Bucks), F Samaki Walker (free agent, Spurs), F Jelani McCoy (free agent, Sonics), F Dickey Simpkins (free agent).
Lost: F Horace Grant (free agent, Orlando), C Greg Foster (traded to Milwaukee), G Tyronn Lue (free agent, Washington), G Ron Harper (free agent), G Isaiah Rider (free agent, Denver).
Strengths: From the way he has looked over the past two seasons, Shaquille O'Neal could end up with a half-dozen championship rings if everything goes as it should.
Weaknesses: Grant didn't score much but was able to defend the top power forwards in the West ? something Robert Horry and Samaki Walker don't do nearly as well.
What they'll do: Win another title unless misfortune strikes O'Neal or Bryant.