What was a whisper that became a conversation has finally led to outright shouting, which is another way of saying every second Expert in the land of the NBA has suddenly got the Kings stamped for the Western Conference title a few months hence.

And not to go all Chuck Barkley on you, but: You sure?

If anything, the play in the conference up to this All-Star break ought to have served to illuminate just how tall an order that is. With and without Chris Webber, Sacramento has bolted out to the league's best record at 37-12, yet the finest half-season in local franchise history suggests nothing beyond a legitimate shot in the playoffs.

Why, you ask? Wonderful question. Here's a short list of the answers: Shaquille O'Neal. Kobe Bryant. Kevin Garnett. Steve Nash. Tim Duncan. For good measure, Gary Payton. For bad measure, 'Sheed Wallace. Four other teams are at .646 or above.

Good? You bet the Kings are.

Conference champion?

Let's take it one unofficial, unbettable oddsmaking line at a time.