NBA preview: Western Conference capsules

1. OKC THUNDER (48-18 projected)

Additions: F Lazar Hayward; PG Reggie Jackson

Subtractions: G Nate Robinson

Shrinking or growing: Growing. The Thunder couldn't wait for this season to get started. Though still young, last season taught them many things, including how to win the West.

2. DALLAS MAVERICKS (45-21)

Additions: F Lamar Odom; G Vince Carter; G Delonte West; PF Brandan Wright; G Drew Neitzel

Subtractions: C Tyson Chandler; F Caron Butler; G J.J. Barea; G Corey Brewer

Shrinking/growing: Shrinking. The prefect storm that was last season is starting to move out of town. Chandler, Butler and Barea were significant losses at three different positions.

3. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (44-22)

Additions: PG T.J. Ford; G Antoine Hood; F Gani Lawal; F Kawhi Leonard; G Cory Joseph; F Doug Thomas

Subtractions: G George Hill; G Chris Quinn; F Da'Sean Butler

Shrinking/growing: Shrinking. People shrink when they get older, which describes the Spurs. But this is still a big-time organization with big-time players. Can't be ignored.

4. LOS ANGELES LAKERS (42-24)

Additions: PF Josh McRoberts; SF Jason Kapono; G Andrew Goudelock; SG Gerald Green; G Elijah Millsap; G Darius Morris; F Malcolm Thomas.

Subtractions: F Lamar Odom; PG Shannon Brown

Shrinking/growing: Shrinking. Dealing Odom for a trade exception only makes sense if Dwight Howard comes to town. If not, the Lakers might disappear by 2014.

5. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (40-26)

Additions: PG Chris Paul; G Chauncey Billups; F Caron Butler; F Trey Thompkins; G Travis Leslie

Subtractions: G Eric Gordon; F Al-Farouq Aminu; C Chris Kaman; F Craig Smith

Shrinking/growing: Growing. Little Chris Paul is a giant acquisition. Note how the No. 4 Lakers and No. 5 Clippers will meet in their own arena in the first round. Too tasty to ignore.

6. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (39-27)

Additions: G Josh Selby; C Brian Skinner; PF Walter Sharpe; SF Josh Davis; G Jeremy Pargo

Subtractions: F Shane Battier

Shrinking/growing: Growing. Ready to take the next step, the Grizzlies have their top talent inked long-term and proved to everyone – especially the Spurs and Thunder – they're for real.

7. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (37-29)

Additions: G Jamal Crawford; PG Raymond Felton; G Nolan Smith; C Kurt Thomas