The Daily will continue its preview of the NBA today with a look at the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.

Portland TrailBlazers

The Blazers made a couple of moves in the offseason that immediately made them contenders for the NBA title.

They traded troubled Isaiah Rider to the Hawks for Steve Smith, a solid NBA veteran.

They signed forward Detlef Schrempf away to the Sonics, and they traded for future Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen.

Along with point guard Damon Stoudamire, Brian Grant, and Arvydas Sabonis, the team is stocked with all-stars.

Rasheed Wallace will be on call from the bench, along with youngster Jermaine O’Neal, who is expected to see his first real action in the NBA.

The Blazers should be able to make the Finals, but the Western Conference has a bevy of talented squads that could make that a difficult journey.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have the same story as usual: lots of talent, no togetherness.

Last year, the squad was criticized for not playing as a team, and the Lakers hope that new coach Phil Jackson can get rid of that problem.

The Lakers feature Shaquille O’Neal in the middle and Glen Rice and Kobe Bryant on the perimeter.

That alone should make this team a contender.

Bryant is out until December with an injury, but Derek Fisher and the newly acquired Ron Harper will hold the fort until he gets back.

A.C. Green is back in the purple and gold, a move made to give stability and leadership away from the floor to a team sorely needing it.

Robert Horry, Rick Fox and Travis Knight all should get substantial minutes off the bench.

The Lakers again should have a chance for the title.

How Phil Jackson is able to bring the unit together will be the deciding factor.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns, buoyed by the arrival of Penny Hardaway, think they can compete for an NBA championship as well.

The backcourt of Hardaway and Kidd could be the best in the league, and Cliff Robinson and Tom Gugliotta are a pair of good forwards.

There will once again be a void in the middle, as Luc Longley will try to do the job.

Rex Chapman has accepted his demotion and will be a good 6th man off the bench.

Rodney Rogers and rookie Shawn Marion from UNLV should get some minutes off the bench.

How Hardaway and Kidd work together in the backcourt will be the telling factor in the success of the Suns.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings were a big surprise in the league last year, as they made the playoffs and almost knocked off the Utah Jazz.

They are led by one of the most dynamic players in the game, second-year point guard Jason Williams.

His flamboyant style works very well in the Kings’ offense, and he is a player to watch for the future.

Chris Webber was another big story last year, as he had his best year as a pro.

Vlade Divac also played the whole year and averaged a double-double.

Corliss Williamson was a strong contributor, and the addition of Nick Anderson from the Magic will help the team’s perimeter game.

However, what will keep the Kings from going far is the lack of depth. Look for them to contend for a playoff spot, and they are always dangerous once there.

Seattle SuperSonics

The Sonics failed to make the playoffs for the first time in the 1990’s last year when they finished an even .500 on the season.

Gary Payton was not the problem, as he put in his normal great year.

The Sonics have acquired Brent Barry for Hersey Hawkins to give Payton help in the backcourt, while former All-Star Vin Baker looks to rebound from an off-year.

Horace Grant will also be new to the squad, and Vernon Maxwell will be asked to shoot the ball and do little else.

The Sonics don’t appear to be that much better than a year ago, so look for an average season from Seattle.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors have a lot of depth, but there is no standout player on the roster.

The backcourt should be helped with the addition of Mookie Blaylock, and John Starks is back for his second year with the team. Donyell Marshall has finally come into his own, and Jason Caffey excelled when given the chance to have regular minutes.

Center Erick Dampier is expected to have a big year, while Antwaan Jamison has had a great preseason.

Also off the bench will be guard Chris Mills and forward Terry Cummings.

The Warriors need a few guys to step up if they are to be considered contenders.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers appear to have a couple of keepers in Lamar Odom and Maruice Taylor, but they still are the Clippers, by far the worst franchise in sports this century.

They won only nine games a year ago, but they will be improved for the upcoming season.

Michael Olowokandi will be back for his first full season, and Eric Murdock and Derek Anderson provide a new backcourt for the Clippers.

Still, the lack of depth and talent at key positions will relegate L.A. to the cellar.

Again.