In predicted order of finish:1. LAKERS2007-08 record:...

In predicted order of finish:

1. LAKERS

2007-08 record: 57-25

Newcomer: Josh Powell.

On the verge of imploding a year ago, they now have a window like that of the Shaq-Kobe teams from 2000 to 2002. Even with Lamar Odom looking lost and small forward in question, they should be a powerhouse with Andrew Bynum adding a defensive presence to last season’s willowy, high-scoring team.

2. NEW ORLEANS

2007-08 record: 56-26

Newcomer: James Posey.

They’re not huge or deep but they’re legitimate with Chris Paul, David West and Tyson Chandler. At 23, Paul is nearing Steve Nash’s back-to-back MVP level. A 28% three-point shooter as a rookie, he shot 41.5% after last season’s All-Star break. LeBron James, who shot 29% as a rookie, was at 32.9%.

3. UTAH

2007-08 record: 54-28

Newcomer: Brevin Knight.

Like Deron Williams, whose career took off like that of his friendly rival, Paul, the Jazz was a bigger, beefier version of the Hornets, finishing 38-12 after Kyle Korver arrived. The difference is interior defense: Instead of Chandler, the Jazz has Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur, who are waiting for their next possession.

4. SAN ANTONIO

2007-08 record: 56-26

Newcomers: Roger Mason, Salim Stoudamire.

Coach Gregg Popovich nursed his veterans all season but never had a healthy Manu Ginobili, who hurt his ankle again during the Beijing Olympics this summer, underwent surgery and will miss two months. In keeping with their aging theme, Popovich has a Grizzly Adams beard but don’t expect the Spurs to stop being the Spurs just yet.

5. HOUSTON

2007-08 record: 55-27

Newcomers: Ron Artest, Brent Barry.

They can be the monster people expect -- if Artest fits in and Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, who missed 41 games the last two seasons, are healthy. McGrady played 12 minutes of the first six exhibitions and the 325-pound Yao is coming off a stress fracture and a summer with the national team.

6. PHOENIX

2007-08 record: 55-27

Newcomers: Coach Terry Porter, Matt Barnes.

Jettisoning their dreaded offense, they finished 22-8 with Shaquille O’Neal, but San Antonio then pick-and-rolled O’Neal to death in the first round. Porter, replacing the popular Mike D’Antoni, has to figure out a scheme to protect O’Neal fast. With O’Neal and Grant Hill both 36 and Nash 34, time’s running out.

7. DALLAS

2007-08 record: 51-31

Newcomers: Coach Rick Carlisle, Gerald Green.

At 35-13 last season, after averaging 59 wins over six seasons, they broke up their team to get Jason Kidd, looking desperate after Phoenix beat them to O’Neal. Then they lost in the first round, fired Avery Johnson and hired the grind-it-out Carlisle rather than someone to open things up for Kidd. Comment: Huh?

8. PORTLAND

2007-08 record: 41-41

Newcomers: 2007 No. 1 pick Rudy Fernandez, Ike Diogu.

With Greg Oden struggling in the preseason after a year off and eight of their top 10 players 25 or under, it’s not clear this promising team is ready. On the other hand, Brandon Roy, 24, is All-Star caliber and Oden, 20, and LaMarcus Aldridge, 23, should be, too . . . one day.

9. CLIPPERS

2007-08 record: 23-59

Newcomers: Marcus Camby, Baron Davis, No. 1 pick Eric Gordon.

Getting Camby after the devastating loss of Elton Brand may be a coup, giving them a second 7-foot shot-blocker to open the game up for Davis, Al Thornton, et al -- if they ever get them on the floor together. The questions are when and what will Donald T. Sterling do in the interim?

10. DENVER

2007-08 record: 50-32

Newcomers: Renaldo Balkman, Juwan Howard.

With owner Stan Kroenke, a frugal Wal-Mart son-in-law, looking at tens of millions in luxury tax as a result of acquiring Allen Iverson, they gave away Camby, their rudder, upsetting young guys such as Carmelo Anthony almost as much as Coach George Karl. If they didn’t defend or listen to Karl before, imagine them now.

11. GOLDEN STATE

2007-08 record: 48-34

Newcomers: Corey Maggette, Ronny Turiaf, Marcus Williams.

So much for the fun bunch that posted the Warriors’ best record in 14 seasons. Ownership pulled the $39-million extension offer Davis had agreed to and gave Monta Ellis $66 million -- just before his moped accident. With Ellis out until February and Coach Don Nelson in his last season, the party’s over.

12. SACRAMENTO

2007-08 record: 38-44

Newcomer: Bobby Jackson.

With Artest finishing his usual three-season stint and Mike Bibby, the last link to the glory years, leaving, hard-driving rookie Coach Reggie Theus kept the Kings competitive with Kevin Martin, Beno Udrih, Francisco Garcia and John Salmons. Unfortunately for them, in their primes Brad Miller and Mikki Moore weren’t Vlade Divac and Chris Webber.

13. MINNESOTA

2007-08 record: 22-60

Newcomers: Mike Miller, Kevin Love.

Offered Bynum and Odom for Kevin Garnett, they took 6-9 Al Jefferson, instead -- and are now seeking a big man. Nevertheless, with Jefferson, a walking double-double, Miller, the emerging Randy Foye and Love,, this isn’t square one. Call it square two.

14. MEMPHIS

2007-08 record: 22-60

Newcomers: O.J. Mayo, Antoine Walker.

This is a youth movement. They hope Mayo not only produces right away but becomes their leader. Coach Marc Iavaroni was in trouble in his first season and he started that one with Pau Gasol and Mike Miller.

15. OKLAHOMA CITY

2007-08 record: 20-62

Newcomers: Desmond Mason, No. 1 pick Russell Westbrook.

Happily, their new home didn’t have a team last season and won’t notice it barely has one now. Owner Clay Bennett, who had Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis and Kevin Durant in Seattle, turned the franchise into a kindergarten. Now they don’t have to worry about where they’re going, except in the standings.

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mark.heisler@latimes.com