The NBA Finals last season were disappointing, period. No one wants to see the Lakers dynasty cruise to an easy championship. The people want action, violence, drama and blood. Times have not changed since the era of the gladiator. It’s a game-winning championship-clinching half court shot by Kobe Bryant, or nothing. Watching Dwight Howard and his lackies get steamrolled is not how anyone envisioned such an epic season to end. With all the insane trades and signings that happened this offseason, this next NBA year promises to be epic, or at least worth watching.

The top five most likely contenders for the next NBA championship are the Spurs and the Lakers in the Western Conference and the Celtics, Cavaliers and Magic in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers, the reigning champions, have stayed more or less the same. They essentially traded Trevor Ariza to the Rockets for Ron Artest, an upgrade defensively but a big question in terms of team chemistry. Artest and Lakers captain Kobe Bryant have had more than just words in the past. Whether or not Artest can mesh with the team determines whether the Black Mamba and his posse can repeat their championship run.

The Spurs are the only team in the West that can really give the Lakers a run for their money. Aside from their big three in Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli and Tim Duncan, the Spurs have reloaded with forwards Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess. If the Spurs get plagued with injuries like they have in the past, then those two will be very important for keeping the team’s momentum on track. If Manu’s ankles can stay intact, then the Spurs are the heavy favorite to win the West.

The East is a bit more complicated. Though the Magic toppled both the Cavaliers and the Celtics in the last playoffs, not many expect them to repeat that feat. Signing Vince Carter gives them another All-Star threat along with Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis. not to mention the reigning defensive player of the year, Dwight Howard. With a deep bench in Mikael Pietrus, Anthony Johnson and Marcin Gortat, the Magic are loaded both inside and outside.

That’s nothing compared to the Celtics, however, who essentially have 4 All-Star starters and 1 more All-Star coming off the bench. Rajon Rondo emerged as a high-caliber point guard last season, competeting on the same level as rookie of the year Derrick Rose. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are both prolific scorers, Allen in particular having the best 3-point percentage in the NBA. Kevin Garnett is healed up and ready, giving the Celts a dominant presence inside. To top it all off, veteran forward Rasheed Wallace is ready on the bench to bring even more experience on the open court. The Celtics are the heavy favorite to win the championship.

Other teams like the Suns and the Heat might have plenty of talent, but just don’t have the funds or depth to back up their stars. On the other hand wild card playoff teams such as the Raptors and the Blazers have great squads, but just aren’t proven capable of competing on a true championship level. Who knows, in nine months the Sacramento Kings may be on top of everyone.