When it comes to free agency in the National Basketball Association, no season has been more hyped than this upcoming one. The fact that Dirk Nowitzki has the option to become an unrestricted free agent doesn’t make anyone flinch, due to the fact that there is a pool of talent that will have to find a new home.

Wherever Lebron ends up, it will probably be one of the best teams, but let’s consider everyone else who is poised for successful seasons.

When it comes to Las Vegas odds, that Los Angeles team (no, not the Clippers) is the surefire favorite. The Lakers will have everyone coming back, including Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom. That’s good news for Lakers fans and bad news for everyone else.

Regardless of who Chicago lands, they’ll be a good team. As it is, they’re probably in a position to land at least an eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, however, you can be sure they’ll get at least one superstar. Even if it’s just Joe Johnson, that immediately makes them a contender.

The Orlando Magic are not going away. Jameer Nelson is back to health and Dwight Howard’s later game can only get better (he has to, in the end, right?). Rashard Lewis missed the playoffs, which is cause for concern, but the Magic’s size and perimeter shooting pose problems for everyone else.

Keep an eye out for Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and the rest of the Oklahoma City Thunder. This team is coming back with a vengeance and should make a lot of noise in the Western Conference playoffs. Who knows what Durant’s average will be next season, but I think the Thunder will be in a good position to finish in the top 3 in the West.

The Phoenix Suns had a miraculous run this season. Hopefully it wasn’t a miracle, though, and Steve Nash and his team can make another deep run in the Western Conference playoffs. It’s doubtful since Amare Stoudemire is most likely done with Phoenix.

Finally, the New York Knicks finally have a chance to be good next year! The team has been rebuilding for this year for as long as I can remember, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Lebron becomes a Knick, but I’m sure Knicks management will find a way to screw it up.