In a conference call for TNT publicizing the start of the NBA season, analyst Doug Collins broke down the Western Conference.

Los Angeles Lakers: “I think they are absolutely loaded. If Kobe (Bryant) stays healthy, coming off the brilliant season he had last year. They get Andrew Bynum back. I’m looking forward to seeing Bynum and (Pau) Gasol together. Imagine a team that is able to bring Lamar Odom off the bench, a bench that I think is the best in the NBA. They are my favorites to win the Pacific (Division).�

Phoenix Suns: “(The Suns) are going to be very interesting with a new style. How many games will Steve Nash miss, they are talking about him playing in 70 games. Instead of cutting his minutes, have him miss some games along the way. How many games will Shaq (O’Neal) miss? This is an older team with a new coach and a new style. They are going to very interesting to watch.�