With 3 weeks into the new NBA season, teams battle for domination and we get a good look at the playoff contenders. Although it may still be hard to predict which 16 teams will be making the playoffs, we still are able to assess the teams that are on course. Starting from the top:

1. LA Lakers (6-0) - With Bynum back in the lineup and a deep bench (not to mention the chip on their shoulder from the finals), the Lakers are looking to make a statement and lead the way as 1 of 2 undefeated teams left.
2. Boston Celtics (7-1) - With only a slip-up against the Pacers, the C's look like they are back on track as they have won their last 4 games.
3. Atlanta Hawks (6-0) - Starting the season undefeated and a couple of impressive wins against the Hornets and Raptors will get you to the #3
spot.
4. Utah Jazz (6-1) Even without starter Deron Williams they Jazz have been able to get the W's.
5. Cleveland Cavs (6-2) - LeBron has turned up the heat in the past couple games and has shown teams he means business.
6. NO Hornets (4-2) - Despite a few injuries the team faces, New Orleans seems to moving along at their normal space.
7. Phoenix Suns (6-2) - Now that Shaq has picked up the pace, the suns are one of the most threatening teams in the paint.
8. Detroit Pistons (5-2) - Is Allen Iverson the new 'Answer' to this team getting back over the hump?
9. Houston Rockets (4-3) - With newly acquired Ron Artest and superstars Yao Ming and TMac, the rockets SHOULD have what it takes to go far.
10. Orlando Magic (4-3) - This was a toss-up between the them and the Rockets. Since the Magic are a younger team and have an easier conference, they take this spot.

Back on Feb. 5, 2008, Kobe tore a ligament in his right pinkie against a game with the New Jersey Nets. Since then, Kobe was able to lead his team to the NBA finals, win his first MVP award, and help lead Team USA to a gold medal. His initial plan was to get surgery done on it after the Olympics, but now he has decided to hold off on that until who knows when. Kobe has said that he has spoken with several hand specialists and feels the best move for his team is to forgo surgery. Had he stuck to the original plan and received surgery, it was estimated that Kobe would miss 4-6 weeks of regular season play - a number too high in his mind.

Failing to win gold in Athens during the 2004 Olympics, team USA set out this years Beijing Olympics with only one thing on their mind - reclaiming their throne. Thanks to an almost perfect execution of the players and coaching staff, team USA was able to blow by any and all competition, winning all 8 of their games. Dwayne Wade and Kobe Bryant led the team in scoring, which helped surge the rest of the players to step up themselves and play good defense. Team USA defeated Spain in the finals 118-107, beating them for the second time in this years Olympics.

Recently announced, this years US squad for the 2008  Beijing  Olympics are as follows:
 *  Anthony, Carmelo                          *  Boozer, Carlos                
 *  Bosh, Chris                                    *  Bryant, Kobe
 *  Howard, Dwight                             *  James, LeBron       
      *  Kidd, Jason                          * Redd, Michael
      *  Paul, Chris                           * Wade, Dwayne
      * Prince, Tayshaun                   * Williams, Deron

       As far as starters go, no one knows for sure. A good sneak-peak of the team can be viewed on July 25, 2008, when the US men's team takes on Canada (8pm Eastern) in an exhibition game. My guess is that James (unless injury interferes), Bryant, Paul, and Howard will be among those that start. This years Olympics should be exhilarating, especially since Team USA hasn't won gold since 2000, and also because LeBron James personally gauranteed a gold medal. I guess we will find out if he can live up to that promise withing the next couple of weeks. Until then...

The Celtics took this crown this season with authority, finishing with the best record in the NBA, and more importantly, finishing with the golden cup (ball, rather). The Celtics stellar defense was what earned them the right to this glory and victory, as the Lakers had the most trouble ever scoring against a team. Paul Pierce was the MVP of the finals, followed closely behind by Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. The series was finished in game 6, where the Celtics finished it all up with a TKO punch that left the Lakers stunned. It will be interesting to see next years series, especially since the lakers will have their starting center, Andrew Bynum, back on the court. Maybe he will be the Lakers answer for stopping Boston. Who knows... only time will tell. Congrats to both of these teams for having a stellar season. Next year Kobe.... ;)

After going up 3-1 on the spurs in the western conference final, the Lakers are 1 game away from reaching the finals for the 5th time in the past 9 years, where they won 3 of the 4. It's quite amazing to see the Lakers get this far, especially since Kobe almost left them at the start of the season. Who would have guessed?

So who will the Lakers be facing? The answer to that question is really a toss up. The opposing series with Boston and Detroit is tied up and the big game #5 is still awaiting. Whoever the victor is, the Lakers will be ready with time to watch and prepare for.