A follow-up to the 2007 NBA Pre-Camp Power Rankings, here is the current power list as we approach the halfway point...

**In parentheses (pre-season rank, overall record, home record, road record, and record against teams in their respective conference)**

POISED FOR THE POSTSEASON...

1. Boston (#2, 30-5, 16-2, 14-3, 20-5 vs East):  Why are the Celtics the best right now? They are tops in the NBA in points allowed per game, opponent FG%, and are beating opponents by a 12-point margin. And they recently went 4-0 on a West Coast road trip, temporarily silencing all critics.

2. Dallas (#6, 26-11, 17-3, 9-8, 17-5 vs West): The Mavs' recent 102-86 shellacking of Detroit and current seven-game win streak puts defensive minded Dallas ahead of the Pistons in the power rankings, for now. And Detroit has already lost twice to Chicago, whom Dallas defeated last month.  

3. Detroit (#7, 28-9, 13-3, 15-6, 19-3 vs East):  Still contending, the Pistons now feature a younger and deeper bench than in years' past. They're second in the league in points allowed per game, opponent FG%, and they lead the league with fewest turnovers per game. The key to their success thus far has been their overall balance and efficiency. Detroit wins on the road just as much as they do at home.

4. L.A. Lakers (#8, 24-11, 14-5, 10-6, 15-5 vs West): The Young Guns' ascent in the rankings is due to their ability to consistently beat the top teams in the West. The Killer B's (Bryant and Bynum) lead the way for the Lakers, considered by many as the deepest and most dangerous team in the NBA. L.A.'s well-balanced machine can score and play defense with the best of them. Case in point: #3 in the NBA in PPG and FG%, #4 in the NBA in opponent FG% and steals per game. And their average 7-point margin of victory is third in the league and tops in the mighty Western Conference.

5. Phoenix (#3, 26-11, 13-4, 13-7, 12-9 vs West) : Amid talk of discord, the Suns continue to remain competitive despite their serious lack of size, depth, rebounding, and defense. The most telling stat about Mike D'Antoni's bunch, however, is that they only feast on the east, where they are 14-2, but have lots of trouble against their western counterparts. Although they once again lead the league in scoring, they are still 28th in points allowed and 18th in opponent FG%. This is a disturbing trend for a team with serious talent, but one that also finds it difficult to keep up with opponents who possess that rare combination of size, athleticism, balance, and championship-caliber coaching. Against the top eight teams in the Western Conference, Phoenix is a paltry 2-6 while the Lakers, on the other hand, are 7-3 against the same competition.

6. San Antonio (#1, 24-11, 18-3, 6-8, 17-9 vs West): There is absolutely no reason to panic as the defending NBA champions have lost two in a row, gone 5-5 in their last 10, and are seemingly sliding. Why so? They are 20th in the league in opponent FG%, a defensive category they usually lead the NBA in. The reality is they are pacing. They go through this every year and despite talk of getting old, they remain third in the NBA in points allowed. It's the same old San Antonio Spurs come playoff time, when they'll be number one in most people's minds. For now, they are sixth because they lost to the Suns last month while playing without this year's team MVP Tony Parker.

7. New Orleans (#18, 24-12, 10-7, 14-5, 17-8 vs West): The Hornets should not be a surprise to people, only because we know that Byron Scott is their coach and Chris Paul is running the show. Coach Scott has instilled defense into this young nucleus and his players are responding much like the New Jersey Nets responded to his leadership on their way to the Finals earlier this decade. Now the key is... can they stay healthy, particularly veteran sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic?

8. Portland (#24, 22-13, 17-3, 5-10, 16-7 vs West) : It appears the Blazermaniacs have resurfaced. The red-hot Blazers have won 17 of their last 18 games and along the way defeated Utah three times, Denver twice, Golden State twice, New Orleans, Toronto, and appear headed for the playoffs without Greg Oden. And imagine if Oden comes back this season. Btw, Brandon Roy is the real deal and so is Coach Nate McMillan, who is my midseason Coach of the Year.  

9. Denver (#11, 22-13, 15-5, 7-8, 13-10 vs West) : The Nuggets' dynamic duo of Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson keeps them in games offensively and their team defense isn't too shabby either (first in the league in steals per game and eighth in opponent FG%). However they are extremely thin at center, and their lack of depth at the point guard position could spell doom for the Nuggets come playoff time, where they will try to compete against the likes of Steve Nash, Tony Parker, Baron Davis, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Derek Fisher. That is not a very good sign for an inconsistent team.

10. Orlando (#19, 23-16, 7-8, 16-8, 14-6 vs East): The Magic started off strong but have tailed off lately, losing 12 out of their last 21, primarily because they are a jumpshooting team. Dwight Howard continues to be a monster, but besides him there isn't much else to be excited about. High-priced Rashard Lewis isn't even averaging 20 ppg and is shooting a disappointing 38% from three-point range. What baffles me about Orlando's management is why they picked up Lewis, who is essentially the same type of player as Hedo Tukoglu. Their stats and percentages are similar, making me wonder why they didn't go out and get a point guard like Steve Blake or Mo Williams instead.

11. Cleveland (#5, 19-18, 12-6, 7-12, 10-12 vs East): Don't let that .514 win percentage fool you. The defending Eastern Conference Champions got off to a slow start this year because of the holdouts of key players, Sasha Pavlovic and Anderson Varejao. Now both are back playing their customary roles, and the Cavs have quietly won seven of their last ten with King James putting on MVP-type performances. More importantly Cleveland is 9-6 against the mighty West, with wins against the Lakers, Dallas, Golden State, and Utah. 

12. Golden State (#14, 21-16, 10-7, 11-9, 14-10 vs West): The run-n-shoot Warriors, led by quarterback Baron Davis, continue to pile up the points and play nonexistent defense. Because of their style, they are last in the league in points allowed. However their depth keeps them in most games and the solid all-around play of Andris Biedrins has been a pleasant surprise for Nellie's rag-tag bunch.

 13. Utah (#21, 21-17, 15-3, 6-14, 11-10 vs West): Before the season began I specifically said  that Jazz fans will be wondering if Derek Fisher was really the difference maker. Three months later D-Fish has proved my point, making a huge impact on both the Lakers and the Jazz. Utah sorely misses the leadership and locker room presence that Fisher provides, not to mention his defensive savvy and toughness on the court. Ronnie Brewer has done an admirable job replacing him at shooting guard, but there is no replacement for chamionship experience and this is the main reason why the Jazz, despite their overall efficiency, have slipped in the West after making it all the way to the West Finals last year.

14. Houston (#10, 20-17, 9-6, 11-11, 10-11 vs West): The Rockets are currently on their longest winning streak of the season at five games and seem to be on a roll without their leading scorer, oft-injured Tracy McGrady. Although they are fourth in the league in points allowed and third in opponent FG%, something remains missing in the grand scheme of things for this underachieving ballclub. Some say that Yao Ming is too soft, yet others say inconsistencies in their rotation is what has caused the inconsistency in their record. Whatever it is, they need to figure it out fast or else a huge trade may be on the horizon. 

15. Toronto (#12, 19-17, 9-8, 10-9, 12-9 vs East): The absence of point guard T.J. Ford for half of the season has really hurt the Raptors thus far. Despite missing his leadership on the floor, they are sixth in the NBA in points allowed and second in steals per game. Notable wins so far have come against San Antonio and Dallas, and once Toronto gets Ford back in the lineup expect them to make a run for either the third or fourth playoff spot in the East. 

16. Washington (#16, 19-16, 11-8, 8-8, 13-10 vs East): The Wizards have been a mild surprise as they currently hold the four spot in the East despite being without top scorer Gilbert Arenas for most of the season. Former Laker Caron Butler has done a tremendous job leading the way, averaging 22 ppg while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from long distance. Antawn Jamison has also pitched in by averaging 21.6 ppg and 11 boards. Maybe they're better off without Arenas, whose commitment to winning an NBA title has been questioned of late.

POISED TO BATTLE 'TIL THE END...

17. New Jersey (#15, 18-18, 9-12, 9-6, 13-12 vs East): When Jason Kidd trade rumors seem to always persist, something is bound to happen. Kidd for Pau Gasol and Mike Conley? Kidd for Arenas? Kidd for McGrady? Kidd for Mike Bibby? If I'm Rod Thorn, I choose one because either way I won't go wrong. Unless a move is made, the Nets will continue to hover around mediocrity.

18. Atlanta (#29, 15-17, 10-8, 5-9, 9-13 vs East): The fact that the Hawks are 6-4 against the West seems promising. With the emergence of Josh Smith as a bonafide potential All-Star player and Marvin Williams as a consistent scorer, there is hope in Atlanta after all. Now to see if they can develop team chemistry and defensive consistency with Joe Johnson as their leader. A playoff spot is definitely within reach.

19. Chicago (#9, 14-20, 7-10, 7-10, 11-11 vs East): With all that talent, the struggling Bulls still lack a strong inside punch. Looking on the bright side, they are 5-3 under new coach Jim Boylan. Now to see if they finally structure a deal to pick up Pau Gasol or Amare Stoudemire.

20. Indiana (#20, 17-21, 8-9, 9-12, 9-11 vs East): How is it that the Pacers are ranked seventh in the league in scoring and fifth in opponent FG% yet they're only 2-8 in their last ten games and are playing terribly of late? Maybe it's because Jermaine O'Neal has lost interest. His averages of 15 points and 7 rebounds are not typical of the All-Star forward and his style of play doesn't seem to fit Coach Jim O'Brien's system. You can expect O'Neal to be dealt by the trading deadline, especially if Indiana continues to slide.

POISED FOR THE LOTTERY...

21. Milwaukee (#25, 15-22, 10-5, 5-17, 10-12 vs East): There is no question that on paper, the Bucks have talent. Then why is it they can't seem to get over the hump? Because they are 28th in the league in opponent FG%, while only 22nd in scoring.

22. Sacramento (#23, 14-21, 10-9, 4-12, 6-13 vs West): They have been without Mike Bibby, Ron Artest, and Kevin Martin for most of the season. Martin is back, with Artest and Bibby soon to follow. But the big question is still whether or not Bibby and/or Artest will be traded. Chances are they'll be shipped out, especially since young players like Francisco Garcia, Mikki Moore, and John Salmons all have done fairly well in the Kings' youth movement.

23. Philadelphia (#26, 14-23, 7-11, 7-12, 8-12 vs East): Losers of six in a row, the 76ers are insisting they won't part with either Andre Igoudala or Andre Miller. Philadelphia is acting as if they're both franchise players, and if they continue to believe that they won't be winning anytime soon. At best, Igoudala is a third option on a contending team and Miller is a starter on only a quarter of the teams in this league.

24. Charlotte (#22, 13-23, 11-11, 2-12, 9-20 vs East): The story of their season will be beating the Celtics in Boston and Michael Jordan's return (to the practice court).

25. L.A. Clippers (#30, 10-23, 5-13, 5-10, 6-14 vs West): GM Elgin Baylor says he is extremely disappointed with the Clippers' performance this year despite the injuries to Elton Brand and Shaun Livingston and the All-Star caliber play of center Chris Kaman. What else is new?

26. Memphis (#17, 10-26, 6-12, 4-14, 5-17 vs West):   The Grizzlies hired a new coach in Marc Iavaroni, who came from Phoenix, a team that doesn't have the word 'defense' in its vocabulary, and what is the result? 29th in the NBA in points allowed per game and 29th in opponent FG%. With all that talent in the lineup, there is no reason why Memphis should be this bad.

27. New York (#13, 9-26, 7-13, 2-13, 6-13 vs East): Hmm... now what to do with Isiah, Stephon, Eddy, Jamal, Quentin, David, Nate, Renaldo, Fred, Malik, Zach, Jared, Wilson and Mardy?

28. Seattle (#27, 9-27, 5-12, 4-15, 3-16 vs West): On to Oklahoma City we go...

29. Minnesota (#28, 5-31, 4-13, 1-18, 3-21 vs West): The Timberwolves recently beat Miami by 10, one of the few bright spots (along with Al Jefferson) in a year when they could possibly break the all-time record for futility. The only thing else worth looking forward to is February 8th, the homecoming of Kevin Garnett. Will the fans boo or show their appreciation? My guess is they won't respond the way Jazz fans jeered when Derek Fisher returned to Utah as an opposing player.

30. Miami (#4, 8-28, 4-11, 4-17, 3-17 vs East): 10 losses in a row and counting. When it rains, it pours. Led by The Big Everything Shaquille O'Neal, the Heat have shown that although they can fool us all by buying a championship it's just a matter of time until the true colors begin to reveal themselves. Now Little Pookie and Riles have come to find out what Kobe, Phil and Jerry have known all this time about the Big Liability - he's only there for the money.  

FALL QUARTER GRADE:  B-

Maybe the L.A. Lakers should use those throwbacks a lot more often.

Kobe Bryant and co. gave everyone a glimpse of what is to come on a nightly basis, and the TEAM's convincing win over the Golden State Warriors last night was just another indication of what this lineup is capable of doing when playing with complete balance while dictating the tempo.

Seven players in double figures resulting in an easy win, 123-113, against Don Nelson's small ball bunch. Not only did the Lakers exploit their mismatch in size by utilizing the talents of Andrew Bynum and Ronny Turiaf, they run-n-gunned their way to victory over arguably the NBA's hottest team. Looking reminiscent of Showtime, the Lakers were true to form in their old uni's. With a little defense here and there, some timely three's, and the usual display of late-game artistry from Kobe, this version put on quite a show at the right time. It's time to brand this nucleus a new nickname. Showtime was perfect for the eighties. The Lake Show? There's a moniker out there that's definitely better.

With a quarter of the season done and a 12-8 record, the Lakers' maturation process continues as they get better at minimizing mistakes and taking care of possessions. The young team took full advantage of mismatches, controlled the paint, and ran with the Warriors only when they needed to. In other words, they played smart. These are signs that the Lakers have what it takes to be a championship caliber team. Some may see it as an overstatement since the Lakers are the second youngest team in the league, but don't ever count out the brilliance of Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson. Both are still hungry for more domination.

All the Lakers need to do is be more consistent on both ends of the floor, which is no easy task. It's nothing new. We all know the recipe for success in this league. We all know what this well-balanced unit is capable of doing against the top teams. Last night was a perfect example because it was against another quality playoff opponent.

When the Lakers move the ball and play solid team defense, they usually come out on top: 11-0 when having more assists than the other team. 'Nuff said.

Let's see... So far the Lakers have quality wins versus regular playoff participants Phoenix, Utah, Detroit, Denver twice, Houston, Golden State, Chicago, and Indiana, and suffered humbling defeats against Boston, San Antonio, New Orleans, and Orlando, among others. So far so good, because they are learning to win and are only going to get better with experience.

Anyone who has watched EVERY Lakers game this year will tell you that Bynum is a beast waiting to happen. His play has become assertive of late and he is showing signs of dominance.  Andrew is a walking double-double and if Lamar Odom ever wakes up he could be one too.

Ultra-quick Jordan Farmar is a Tony Parker waiting to happen. His leadership and steady play allow Derek Fisher to preserve and pace, something San Antonio knows a little about (sorry Mike D'Antoni but you're not at that level yet).

Turiaf is a Kurt Rambis with an outside shot. Not quite Dennis Rodman but more like A.C. Green. Plus Ronny's a much better dancer than Mark Madsen. Turiaf's energy and ability to play big at the 4 and quick at the 5 makes him the perfect complement to Kobe in the triangle and pick-n-roll. His improved play on both ends of the court gives the Lakers a strong option in the event oft-injured Kwame Brown can't suit up.

Vladdy "Don't call me Vlade" Radmanovic is what he is. And the same goes for Sasha Vujacic. You already know what you're going to get, but you're not gonna underestimate what they can bring. The key thing for these two is not how many three's they make but when they make them.

And I still haven't mentioned Trevor Ariza, who brings it on D, and future superstar Javaris Crittenton, who has more highlights this year than Smush Parker had his entire Lakers career. L.A. is loaded and you better believe it.

It might take several months, but it definitely won't take years until the Lakers are dominating the West again along with San Antonio. Call them young but they certainly don't lack the big-game experience, and that's dangerous. Especially when you've got the NBA's best player, an up-and-coming seven-footer, a deep bench, and arguably the best coach of all-time. All the Lakers need is more and more time together on the court and no injuries. In due time the world will see what I've been talking about for the last couple of years.

What will ultimately make this team great will be its ability to adapt to any style of team and beat them at their own game with Kobe at the helm. LA's incredible combination of size, speed, depth, and talent allows the Lakers to do that.

Many will say the Lakers are maybe one player away from contending and that may be true in some respects. But if Odom can ever realize his potential it would be a moot point. If LA trades Odom and Brown, I can live with it. If Odom is content in being a third scorer and is allowing Bynum to get more touches in the low post where Odom is most comfortable, I'm fine with that too. Nonetheless, Odom needs to be more consistent and should take more advantage of moments in the game when he has a mismatch. Just play smart and have a more aggressive mindset from game to game, that's all.

If the Lakers end up keeping this team together, the only moves Mitch Kupchak and Coach Jackson need to make are complementary ones. Veteran players who come cheap but have the ability to add something to a ballclub come playoff time. Chris Webber, are you listening?

If the Lakers still are not satisfied, then it's time to make a blockbuster move once and for all while they still have the chips to make something happen. I wouldn't mind seeing Pau Gasol in purple and gold play alongside Bynum on that frontcourt. Then again, why tinker with the chemistry?

All in all, a solid victory for the Young Guns. Bring on the Spurs baby.

***side note***

Among the 12 Laker victories, eight have come against teams with a combined W-L percentage of .620

Among their eight losses, three were against teams who came from behind after the Lakers had them down by double-digits.

Los Angeles has played the top four teams in the NBA (SA, Bos, Pho, Orl) at least once, going 1-3.

What all this means: despite arguably the toughest schedule in the league after 20 games, LA is winning and showing they are a force to be reckoned with. They could easily be 15-5.

With all the stars back from injury and healthy, the madness begins. Here are the culprits...

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Dallas - They made it look easy all season long, as the Mavericks set out to prove that last year was no fluke. Dirk Nowitzki played MVP-caliber ball all year but still has to prove that he can make free throws when it counts most. Defensive-minded Dallas has something to prove so we'll see, as they open up against a team they've lost to six out of their last seven games. Grade: A+

2. Phoenix - With the number-two seed already locked up, the Suns still played their starters deep into the 4th quarter in their loss to the Clippers this week. Something's telling me that Mike D'Antoni doesn't have too much confidence in his bench. The Suns' lack of depth may cost them against the deeper and bigger L.A. Lakers, especially if Kobe Bryant and co. can play defense the way they know they can. On the flip side, Phoenix can still score whenever they want to, with two-time MVP Steve Nash spearheading the attack. Grade: A-

3. San Antonio - The most battle-tested team in the playoffs is also the league's hottest since the All-Star break. You can't count them out because Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are as healthy as they've ever been, and Tony Parker had Eva Longoria to keep him well-oiled throughout the postseason. And we can't ever fail to mention Robert Horry, who is also on a mission of his own: ring #7. Grade: A

4. Utah - They surprised us all with a fast start to a turn-around season. They defeated Phoenix three out of four. They won 50 games. They overachieved once again under Jerry Sloan. They are as cohesive as any unit in the NBA, but their lack of a legit two-guard may cost them in the long run. T-Mac should have a huge series against the Jazz. Grade: B

5. Houston - If Yao never got hurt and missed all those games, he'd be in the running for MVP. If McGrady never had back spasms, he would be in the discussion for MVP. One thing is for sure. Jeff Van Gundy is a favorite for coach of the year. The Rockets can potentially go as far as the conference finals if they play consistent defense and pound the ball inside to Yao who, in turn, has to dominate. Grade: B+

6. Denver - The big question isn't whether Melo and AI can play together. The key to the Nuggets' playoff success depends heavily on the contributions of Marcus Camby and Nene. If they play big and stay out of foul trouble, they have a chance to extend the Spurs. But once they allow Duncan to own the paint, it'll be all over in five. Grade: B-

7. L.A. Lakers - Just another season in Tinseltown. Kobe won another scoring title and Phil Jackson was inducted into the HOF. Lamar Odom's son died unexpectedly, Kwame Brown threw a cake and got fined, Vladimir Radmanovic became known as Slalom after he decided to take up snowboarding and lied about it, rookie Jordan Farmar dispatched Smush from the starting PG position, and Luke SkyWalton was rumored to be linked to Britney Spears. The only story Lakers fans are really concerned about is whether the role players will be mentally prepared to butt heads with the fun-n-gun Suns. The roster is finally complete. L.A. has depth. The Lakers will be ready. Grade: B for Bryant

8. Golden State - If Nellie had never pulled off the trade that brought over Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson, maybe the Clippers would be playing Dallas. Instead, Nelson goes up against his former team with something to prove. Unfortunately, the Warriors' best big man happens to be  80-year old Adonal Foyle. Grade: C+

Please check out my Eastern Conference report card in a separate post coming soon to a blog near you...

This is where bloggers and the rest of you sports freaks can spread more rumors. We all love to speculate about potential deals just as much as we'd like to know if there are aliens residing somewhere near the Kuiper Belt. Last I heard, the aliens did not create the rings around Saturn...

In L.A. word around town is that Maggette will be dealt soon. But to whom? Golden State has some moveable pieces, as does Sacramento who would like to reunite Bibby with Webber. My Lakers have a chance at a number four seed if they continue improving but could win it all if  Buss finds a way to land K.G. and managing to keep Odom at the same time.

Rashard Lewis may be on the move in Seattle. Minnesota may look to add someone to help Garnett instead of trading him if only they could find takers for Ricky Davis, Mike James, Mark Blount, and Troy Hudson, who are all locked up long term. Portland always has pieces to move since they haven't won anything since the infamous 4th quarter meltdown against the Lakers in Game 7 of the 2000 West Finals. Jerry West and Mike Fratello don't see eye-to-eye so a shuffling of personnel may be imminent in Memphis.

The East is loaded with trade-bait. Ty Lue in Atlanta, Antonio Daniels in Washington, Stephen Jackson in Indiana, Luol Deng and Ben Gordon in Chicago to name a few. There is also talk that Paul Pierce is getting impatient, and Richard Jefferson isn't feeling the same way anymore. In Gotham you can trade just about anybody, including Isaiah Thomas. If Herb Williams is still there, trade him too. Milwaukee needs help and is one solid player away from making the playoffs. Who will go and who will stay?

Let the fun and games begin...