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ALLEN J. SCHABEN / Los Angeles Times

The Lakers' Kobe Bryant, left, and Chris Paul of the Clippers provide wattage to L.A. star power.

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    Western Conference preview

    By Jason Jones
    The Sacramento Bee
    Published: Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011 - 12:00 am | Page 6NBA
    Last Modified: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012 - 9:06 am

    PACIFIC DIVISION

    • TEAM TO BEAT

    Los Angeles Lakers: As long as guard Kobe Bryant has two 7-footers in the starting lineup, the Lakers will be tough to knock off.

    • PLAYER TO WATCH

    Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers: Can the recently acquired point guard lead his new team to the playoffs and past the Lakers?

    • ROOKIE TO WATCH

    Jimmer Fredette, Kings: One of the most popular college players in recent memory will attract plenty of attention this season.

    • COACH ON HOT SEAT

    Mike Brown, Los Angeles Lakers: He's replacing one of the best ever – Phil Jackson – and has to worry about being the second-best team in the division.

    • BEST ARENA

    Staples Center, Los Angeles: The home of the Lakers and Clippers is the newest in the division and revitalized downtown L.A.

    NORTHWEST DIVISION

    • TEAM TO BEAT

    Oklahoma City Thunder: Two seasons ago, they were the eighth seed in the playoffs. Is the Thunder ready win a championship?

    • PLAYER TO WATCH

    Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder: This might be the season Durant wins league MVP if he elevates OKC to the top of the West.

    • ROOKIE TO WATCH

    Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves: More than two years after being drafted, the player who caught the world's attention in the 2008 Olympics will make his debut.

    • COACH ON HOT SEAT

    Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City Thunder: Not that he's in danger of being fired, but anything less than a trip to the NBA Finals will be seen as disappointing by some.

    • BEST ARENA

    Rose Garden, Portland: It's one of the best environments in the NBA. It's always packed and always loud for the Blazers.

    SOUTHWEST DIVISION

    • TEAM TO BEAT

    Dallas Mavericks: Thanks to the Lakers dealing Lamar Odom to Dallas, the Mavericks might have enough to repeat as champions.

    • PLAYER TO WATCH

    Eric Gordon, New Orleans Hornets: Will the big player in the Chris Paul trade flourish, or will he bide his time to escape New Orleans?

    • ROOKIE TO WATCH

    Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs: Could he force his way into major minutes? The Spurs could use his perimeter defense.

    • COACH ON HOT SEAT

    Monty Williams, New Orleans Hornets: All he has to do is keep his team competitive minus his All-Star guard, Paul. Tough gig.

    • BEST ARENA

    FedEx Forum, Memphis: Now that the Grizzlies are contenders, the environment is great – and Beale Street is a short walk.

    © Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.

    Follow The Bee's Jason Jones on Twitter @mr_jasonjones and read more about the team at www.sacbee.com/kings.

    • Read more articles by Jason Jones



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