NBA: Who will emerge from the West and why?

With the flurry of player movement the last week or so in the Western Conference (Webber to Golden State; Gasol to the Lakers; Shaq to the Suns), which team will emerge and represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals come June?

My guess, at this current date, is the Lakers. Of course it all hinges on the return of Andrew Bynum. But, I have a feeling that Gasol and Bynum will complement each other very well, since Gasol has the ability to play the high post and knock down 10-15 footers on a consistent basis, while Bynum has the ability to dominate on the low blocks.

The Lakers' starting five (Fisher, Kobe, Odom, Gasol and Bynum) is second to none in the league and their bench features shooters (Vujacic and Radmanovic), heady passers (Farmar and Walton) and guys willing to do the dirty work (Ariza and Turiaf).

 

The Sonics. I just have a feeling.

 

I think you're HUNGRY for Sonic.

 

Was it my imagination, or were the Hornets the top team in the West a week ago?

 

I didn't know which team (of the ones I have listed) to take out in favor of the Hornets, who I think are a bit inexperienced. I figured OTHER would suffice in case a Nuggets, Jazz, Hornets or Warriors fan wanted to vote for their team.

 

Until they get bumped off, I gotta go with that golden oldie (literally), the Spurs.

 

Does anyone care? It's the NBA.

 

I would watch Suns-Lakers.

 

I do. If Parker's eventually healthy, I'll still go with the Spurs.