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Continuing our weeklong celebration of NBA training camps opening this week, we give the people what they want and turn our eyes to teams in Sportaphile’s own backyard, breaking down the grind that is the Western Conference’s Pacific Division:

(Last year’s record)

(48-34) When things go bad, they sure do fall apart quickly. First, the Warriors win 48 games but still miss the playoffs. Then the front office fronted on its offer to Baron Davis, resulting in Boom Dizzle going Hollywood, albeit to the Clippers. Then there’s Monta. So truthfully, I don’t know what to make of the messy Golden State affairs. I don’t even think newcomer Coery Maggette and Captain Jack will be able to S.O.S. this thing before it capsizes. I hate to say it but I think the Warriors can RSVP right now for the 2009 Draft Lottery.

(23-59) It sure must feel good to be back at home for Baron Davis. He has gotten on the Boom Dizzle diet plan courtesy of Jenny Craig and is having a grand ol’ time chilling with Cash W. and Jessica Alba and all his other celebrity cronies. Even without Elton Brand, who surprisingly dipped to Philly, things still look promising for LA’s stepchild team. With the addition of Marcus Camby, I really think the Clips can have about 40-44 wins, which might even leave enough in the tank to trump whoever is hanging on for that final playoff spot.

(57-25) There are no excuses for the purple and gold. It truly is put up or STFU time for Kobe and company. Andrew Bynum is 100% healthy now so we will finally experience the Kobe-Bynum-Gasol Effect unleashed. But really there are more pressing issues facing the team I affectionately dubbed the “Fakers.” Has Lamar Odom returned from his disappearing act? He wasn’t alone either; Pau and others were also looking like shook ones at critical points throughout the Finals. I personally think the cutie Trevor Ariza will take L.O.’s starting job before too long. And the most pressing question, at least in my mind, remains: Did the pesky Sasha Vujacic get a hair cut or are we forced to endure another season of the constant hair-tucking under that black scrunchie-band thing? The Lakers will certainly make the playoffs, but I actually foresee them getting shutdown in the Western Conference finals.

(55-27) People are curious to see what happens in the desert with Mike D’Antoni’s departure. One thing people need to know is that new coach Terry Porter ain’t no punk! He will manage Amare fine and I actually like some of their offseason moves, particularly picking up Matt Barnes who got dissed by Golden State for whatever reason. Then there’s Shaq. I find myself chanting “Tell me how my ass tastes,” at the mere mention of his name. The Suns did themselves good in the draft by picking up Robin Lopez, even if he did look all kinds of ridiculous trying to wear his new Suns cap over that mop top. He will definitely be essential because the wheels on the Diesel have very limited miles left.

(38-44) It seems like NBA players love playing for the Maloof brothers, but sadly, it has more to do with securing the player treatment at the Palms in Las Vegas as opposed to actually winning in Sacramento. Head Coach Reggie Theus survived his first season in Sactown and found out that the distance away from Baldwin Hills is further than he ever could have imagined. Ron Artest is gone now and fan favorite Bobby Jackson is back. Kevin Martin is clearly the man and former Cal player Shareef Abdur-Rahim’s knees forced him to call it quits after 12 years on the league. One thing I know for fact is that Shelden Williams needs to do something this year other than just being Candace Parker’s fiancee. In the words of my man Kirby Dominant, stop the piggyback pimping, Shelden, and put up some numbers! I imagine that the Kings will be heading to Secaucus, NJ, again this year for the Draft Lottery. Hopefully they send another fan to represent because I sure did enjoy seeing contest winner Margie Parilo being genuinely giddy while seated next to Jay-Z.