L.A. invincible?

PACIFIC DIVISION

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

LAST SEASON: 50-32, eliminated by San Antonio in second round

COACH: Phil Jackson, 5th season

KEY ADDITIONS: F Karl Malone (free agent, Jazz), G Gary Payton (free agent, Bucks), F Horace Grant (free agent), F Bryon Russell (free agent, Wizards), F Brian Cook (draft, No. 24, Illinois)

KEY LOSSES: F Robert Horry (free agent, San Antonio), F Samaki Walker (free agent, Miami), F Mark Madsen (free agent, Minnesota), G Tracy Murray (free agent, Portland)

STRENGTHS: On paper they're practically unbeatable, with four future Hall of Famers (Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Malone and Payton) surrounded by plenty of steady role players (Devean George, Derek Fisher, Slava Medvedenko, Rick Fox when he returns in January). O'Neal reported to camp in the best shape since his fourth year in the league, while Malone seems rejuvenated by the change of scenery and the realistic opportunity to win a title.

WEAKNESSES: The rape allegation against Bryant has cast a pall over the team, and it remains to be seen if Bryant can display anything resembling the superstar talent he showed the past several seasons. One or two injuries could seriously deplete them.

WHAT THEY'LL DO: They'll be equal parts unique and fascinating, a circus show on the road and a fixture on television.

SACRAMENTO KINGS

LAST SEASON: 59-23, eliminated 4-3 by Dallas in second round.

COACH: Rick Adelman, 6th season with Kings, 246-132, 14th season overall, 603-384.

KEY ADDITIONS: C Brad Miller (trade with Pacers), F Tony Massenburg (free agent, Jazz), G Anthony Peeler (free agent, Timberwolves)

KEY LOSSES: C Scot Pollard (traded to Indiana), F Jim Jackson (free agent, Houston), F Hedo Turkoglu (traded to San Antonio), C Keon Clark (traded to Utah)

STRENGTHS: By adding Miller, a personal non-favorite of Shaq's, they found an eventual replacement for the aging Vlade Divac — another of O'Neal's foils. Bibby is now fully recovered from the foot injury that sidelined him for part of last season, and he was better than Jason Kidd on this summer's U.S. Olympic qualifying team. Bobby Jackson remains a huge offensive threat off the bench.