Durant's Thunder will challenge Kobe & Co. out West

WESTERN CONFERENCE STORYLINES

1. WHY IT'S EASY TO ROOT FOR KEVIN DURANT

If you happened to see any of his performances in the World Championships this summer, you'd understand. He has the superstar skill package - one-on-one moves, perimeter shooting and a post-up game - and does it all at 6-10. But the best thing about him is his personality. In a summer where LeBron James put narcissism on display in a one-hour special to announce his free agency decision, Durant announced via Twitter that he signed a contract extension with the Thunder. Durant is the antithesis of the typical NBA star and perhaps the best example is this: he's quite happy living in the anonymity of Oklahoma City.

2. THE WEST IS STILL THE BEST, BUT NOT FOR MUCH LONGER

The Lakers' repeat title last season made it the ninth time in the last 12 years that a Western Conference team won the NBA title. Of course we should point out here that only two franchises - the Lakers five times, the Spurs four - claimed those championships, but look at the bottom of the playoff standings for the real indicator: In the West last season, for instance, 50 games was the watermark for a berth. In the East, it was 41 wins, or a .500 record. But these things are cyclical and the East did get stronger this season with the defections of Amar'e Stoudemire (Knicks), Carlos Boozer (Bulls) and others. For now, though, the stronger teams still reside out West.

3. CAN ANYONE STOP THE LAKERS FROM A FOURTH STRAIGHT NBA FINALS?

Kobe Bryant is looking for his sixth ring, which would tie him with his idol, Michael Jordan. Who really is going to stop him? The Spurs, Mavericks and Suns are fading, the Rockets are overachievers, the Trail Blazers are always hurt and the Nuggets are about to trade their superstar. The only real hope to end the Laker dynasty lies in the young legs of the Thunder, who pushed Kobe and Co. to six games in the first round of the playoffs. While the other West elites are headed for rebuilding mode, the Lakers just keep reloading. The additions of Matt Barnes and Steve Blake improve the bench, but, as usual, a lot rides on the physical health of Kobe and Andrew Bynum.

FIVE ON FIVE

Five best players

1. Kevin Durant, Thunder - The heir apparent for MVP and could be ready to win it.

2. Kobe Bryant, Lakers - Not ready to pass the torch; still NBA's best winner.

3. Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets - Until he's traded, still one of the best talents in West.

4. Deron Williams, Jazz - With Carlos Boozer gone, will need to do more scoring.

5. Pau Gasol, Lakers - Looking to match Shaq's ring output with Kobe.

Five underrated players

1. Derek Fisher, Lakers - Proved his intangible value once again in NBA Finals.

2. Luis Scola, Rockets - Coming out party as scorer at World Championships.

3. Marc Gasol, Grizzlies - Terrific passer out of the post and very good moves.

4. Andre Miller, Blazers - Smart floor general who can pick apart defenses.

5. Thabo Sefalosha, Thunder - Very smart player, very good defender.

Five players ready for a break out

1. Eric Gordon, Clippers - Will have more freedom in offense and has explosive scoring ability.

2. Russell Westbrook, Thunder - Might be the best athlete in the NBA; non-stop energy.

3. Stephen Curry, Warriors - Should flourish with David Lee as a pick-and-roll tandem.

4. Nicolas Batum, Blazers - Injuries slowed him last season, but terrific scorer and versatile forward.

5. Rodrigue Beaubois, Mavericks - Can light up the scoreboard and opposing defenses with his speed.

Five rookies to watch

1. Blake Griffin, Clippers - Redshirt rookie has power game that will dominate.

2. DeMarcus Cousins, Kings - Talented big man should flourish with Tyreke Evans.

3. Tiago Splitter, Spurs -- Skilled Brazilian import will back up Tim Duncan.

4. Wesley Johnson, Timberwolves -- Plenty of room to grow on this team.

5. Xavier Henry, Grizzlies -- NBA-ready, but has to battle for minutes.

Five players who could be traded

1. Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets - Likely will endure until Feb. trade deadline.

2. Rudy Fernandez, Blazers - Wants out, but must wait it out.

3. Tony Parker, Spurs - Seeking extension, Spurs may not commit

4. Monta Ellis, Warriors - Not sure Ellis-Stephen Curry backcourt can work.

5. Jeff Green, Thunder - Seeking extension, could yield needed veteran.

POWER RANKINGS

1. Lakers - Two-time defending champs will open the season slightly banged up, including Kobe Bryant, but they'll have plenty of time to get ready for a run at another Three-peat.

2. Thunder - No longer up-and-coming, the arrival has been made. Is Kevin Durant and Co. ready to unseat the Lakers? They can get off to a fast start and, at the very least, get the top seed.

3. Mavericks - How much does Jason Kidd have left in the tank? The Mavs are coming off yet another playoff disappointment and Dirk Nowitzki's clock is ticking.

4. Trail Blazers- Injuries have ravaged this team, which at full health has great potential. The question is, can they ever get to full health and stay there?

5. Rockets - Yao Ming is back, but the Rockets showed last season without him they can be a scrappy, hard-working team that gets results. Aaron Brooks is looking for an extension.

6. Jazz - Life without Carlos Boozer might not be so bad, as long as Paul Millsap can produce in his place. Mehmet Okur remains out, so Jazz need Deron Williams more than ever.

7. Spurs - Another franchise in transition, as Tim Duncan passes the torch to Tiago Splitter and Tony Parker to George Hill. But is the next era good enough to keep up the winning tradition?

8. Nuggets - Carmelo trade talk and injury-depleted front line providing distractions, but still plenty of talent and depth here to stay in the mix. But for how long? Once Melo is gone, so is Denver.