by Charley Rosen

Lakers

The champs will remain the champs until another team usurps them. Meanwhile, the Lakers are arguably the most intelligent team in the league, and Kobe Bryant's position as the NBA's best player is beyond argument.

It's extremely rare for a defending championship squad to make dramatic personnel changes. But Trevor Ariza's signing with Houston created an opportunity for Ron Artest to fulfill his dream of playing with Kobe. By the way, there's no doubt that the Lakers deliberately set up this changeover by low-balling Ariza in their brief contract negotiations.

During the forthcoming season, look for Andrew Bynum to take a step forward after taking two steps backward during the playoffs. Also look for Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown to eat up more of Derek Fisher's minutes. And don't be surprised if Adam Morrison's leg finally heals enough for him to run full-speed and command the bounce that will enable him to attack the basket with force.

WHAT THE LAKERS STILL NEED: To re-sign Lamar Odom. To find a better backup big than Josh Powell. And, given Sasha Vujacic's erratic shooting, obtain a more reliable backcourt scorer.

Celtics

The arrival of Rasheed Wallace gives the Celtics incredible depth up front. So much so that Glen Davis is just about superfluous.

Even if Ray Allen (soon to be 34) is showing signs of slippage, he still has sufficient juice to be a game-changer. Meanwhile, Paul Pierce (32 when the season commences) and Kevin Garnett (33) are still in the prime of their respective careers. Although Rajon Rondo (23) still retains the stubbornness of an adolescent, and Kendrick Perkins (almost 25) is always in foul trouble, these two youngsters have not yet approached the limits of their talents.

Boston's numerous tried-and-true scorers, along with the team's tenacious defensive mindset present formidable challenges for opponents to overcome at both ends of the floor.

WHAT THE CELTICS STILL NEED: A creative wing scorer off the bench. (Grant Hill would be a perfect fit). A pass-first point guard behind Rondo.

Cavaliers

Truly great players -- like MJ, Kobe, Bird, and Magic to name just a few -- simply refuse to lose. In win-or-go-home playoff games they rise to the occasion and dominate every clutch play. LeBron's mediocre performance in Game 6 against the Magic gives him something to prove in 2009-10. If he can forget about the sophomoronic sideline antics that the Cavs demonstrated in the name of togetherness last season, and instead devote all of his considerable abilities to the game on the floor, then he just might transcend his current status as a less-than-meets-the-eye basketball standout.

NOTE: His explanation for not congratulating the Magic went something like this: Winners don't act gracefully when they lose. The truth is that, rather than being a winner, LeBron revealed himself to be a sore loser.

Besides the other positives that Shaq brings to Cleveland, perhaps he can also teach LBJ the proper times and places in which relatively meaningless victories can be celebrated. Shaq is also capable of teaching James what it takes to be a true winner.

In any case, the Cavs certainly have the ingredients to succeed the Lakers. Their success or failure will depend more on their collective attitudes than on their talents.

WHAT THE CAVS STILL NEED: A better coach. A point guard who can run an offense. A long wingman who can defend large small forwards and small power forwards.

Magic

Last season's misadventures in the Finals was a necessary step in the Magic's evolution. But, with Vince Carter replacing Hedo Turkoglu, this newest edition of the team is a different animal altogether. Faster, quicker, but more flighty — and playing for the first time with bull's-eyes on the backs of their jerseys.

If the team can regroup around Jameer Nelson, if Dwight Howard learns how to complement his power with a modicum of finesse, if VC can be rock-steady, if Rashard Lewis can be more present, if Mickael Pietrus can reduce his mistakes even as his playing time increases, if J.J. Redick continues to master the demands of NBA action, if Anthony Johnson can be convinced that he's still appreciated — then the Magic will prove that last season's achievements were not accidental.

WHAT THE MAGIC STILL NEED: A backup for Howard if/when Marcin Gortat leaves. A creative scorer off the bench.

Nuggets

Denver gave the Lakers a scare but couldn't sustain the effort for the entire series. That's because too many Nuggets lacked well-rounded skills — offense for Dahntay Jones, Chris Andersen and Kenyon Martin, defense for Linas Kleiza. And once the Lakers adjusted to their bully-boy tactics, the Nuggets were the ones who seemed to be flustered. What do we do now?

During the series, J. R. Smith demonstrated all-star capabilities at both ends of the court. But despite the fact that Chauncey Billups was able to instill a certain degree of control to his teammates, the influence worked both ways — with Billups taking more ill-advised shots in the playoffs than he had during a season's worth of games with Detroit.

With more maturity, focus, and self-control, the Nuggets could easily mount a serious challenge for the championship.

WHAT THE NUGGETS STILL NEED: Big back-ups who will demand double-teams in the pivot. Another small forward who can create his own shots.

Spurs

The Spurs can regain the championship under the following conditions:

Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili can stay healthy for the duration.

They can stop the clock so that TD (33) and Michael Finley (36) don't age as quickly as they seem to be doing.

Youngsters like Ian Mahinmi, DeJaun Blair, and George Hill can make major contributions.

Richard Jefferson is as good as he's supposed to be.

Roger Mason doesn't get worn out.

If most of these requirements work out, the team's overall discipline and attention to defense assures that they'll be legitimate contenders.

WHAT THE SPURS STILL NEED: A couple of quality big men.

Trail Blazers

Now is the time for the Blazers to transform their potential into actuality. Greg Oden has mastered his impersonation of LaRue Martin — now he must prove that he's at least better than Joel Przybilla. Without an inside presence, the Blazers offense will remain predictable and powerless.

Otherwise, with established veterans like LaMarcus Aldridge, Travis Outlaw, and Brandon Roy, along with improving youngsters like Nicholas Batum, Rudy Fernandez, and Jerryd Bayless, Portland has the tools to be a big-time player in the playoffs.

But the immediate future continues to depend on Oden.

WHAT THE BLAZERS STILL NEED: More power players up front.