1. 1. L.A. Lakers ? Look invincible even with Shaq bricking free throws.
2. 2. Sacramento ? Still a top team without Chris Webber.

3.  3.  Portland ? Ruben Patterson is flourishing.

4.  7.  Dallas ? Winning makes billionaire owner more smug than ever.  
5.  8.  Milwaukee News flash: One week passed; Anthony Mason not arrested.  
6.  4.  San Antonio Bowen's defense is suffocating but scores like he's guarding himself.  
7.  9.  Orlando Grant Hill declares McGrady best player in the NBA.  
8.  10.  Charlotte Louisville Hornets a top team for years to come.  
9.  12.  Miami Alonzo Mourning is baaaack.

10.  11.  Utah Malone starts the season playing like his age: 38.

11.  18.  Houston Stevie Franchise helping Houston sleep better without Olajuwon.  
12.  14.  Minnesota The Governor only taking questions from T-wolves beat writers.  
13.  13.  Phoenix Anfernee Hardaway playing like he's worth pennies.  
14.  15.  Seattle Gary Payton bench pressing opposing guards.

15.  16.  New York An elite team - in the 6-foot-4 and under league.  
16.  19.  Indiana Jonathan Bender's home burglarized, but little-used player had been stealing money.  
17.  5.  Toronto off to nightmarish start.

18.  6.  Philadelphia Larry Brown searching for answers with Iverson injured.  
19.  25.  New Jersey Kerry Kittles no longer on milk cartons.

20.  17.  L.A.Clippers Team's weakness: KandiMan plays like KandiBoy.  
21.  20.  Washington Ground Jordan starting to take off.

22.  22.  Denver Management, with Issel and Vandeweghe, would give its players a game.  
23.  26.  Detroit Winning with players named Rebraca and Atkins.  
24.  21.  Atlanta Sports' worst fans haven't noticed slow start.

25.  23.  Golden State Marc Jackson not in rotation after begging team not to match contract.  
26.  24.  Evidence that having two stars doesn't prevent being Lottery bound

27.  27.  Cleveland Selection of Trajan Langdon in 1999 draft officially a failure.  
28.  28.  Memphis Rookie Pau Gasol is not just a foreigner who can't spell Paul.  
29.  29.  Chicago Just you wait: Bulls have a master plan to re-re-re-rebuild.