Of course, he wouldn't have done it without Pau Gasol, but the popular perception is this was Kobe's first championship on his own.

In the summer, the Lakers front office made sure the team returned stronger for the next campaign and traded Trevor Ariza to Houston for Ron Artest.

Ron-Ron brings experience, toughness and physical presence on the defensive end, but it's yet to be seen how his rather candid and extravagant personality will fit into the team.

However, coach Phil Jackson is a great peace-keeper, and many already compare this acquisition with Dennis Rodman coming to Jordan's Bulls.

At the same time, KB-24 knows that in order to be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan and the other greats, he needs to repeat last season’s performance.

And I'm sure that the other guy, you know the one they call the king – who wears the same number as Jordan while putting up crazy numbers out in Cleveland, will have a problem with that.

Even though the NBA PR-dream of a Kobe Bryant-Lebron James finals match-up didn't come to life last June, it only makes that scenario even more likely this season.

And guess who King James got this time to help him out – the same larger-than-life Shaq, acquired from the Phoenix Suns in an off-season blockbuster.

The Big Diesel has already helped two superstars get the silverware, remember he picked up his fourth title with Dwyane Wade and the Heat, and he's already said that he's with the Cavs "to win the ring for the king".

And if Shaq can play on the same level he showed with the Suns last season, the city of Cleveland just might retain Lebron, who's in the last year of his contract.

Of course, the Lakers and the Cavs are far from being the only contenders come play-off time.

The 2008 champs, Boston Celtics, came up short last season, and are as motivated as anyone.

However, if the Celts aren't getting any younger, and if they want as even chance of lifting banner number 18, they need a healthy Kevin Garnett.

Boston further improved at the 4-5 position in the summer, bringing in another veteran, Rasheed Wallace from the Pistons.

The 2009 finalists Orlando Magic are eager to come back to the big stage and to ensure that happens they got Vince Carter to replace Hedo Turkoglu.

Although he's not Half Man-Half Amazing anymore, Carter is a huge upside on the offensive end, and this just might be the year he redeems himself.

While there might be some questions about VC's abilities, Dwight Howard is sure to have even a better year and remain the league's most intimidating post-presence on both ends.

As for the West, one thing has always been sure for the past 10 years or so and it remains that way – don't count out the San Antonio Spurs.

Last season, the injury to Manu Ginobily led to a first-round exit in the playoffs, but despite their age, the Spurs are still the powerhouse they've always been.

Tim Duncan really remains the same player he was when he got drafted, and to add to that nucleus of Timmy, Manu and Tony Parker, the Spurs made arguably the best off-season move, acquiring Richard Jefferson from the Milwaukee Bucks.

2009 semi-finalists Denver Nuggets are the only ones with no big signings, but keeping the core of Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony surrounded by that strong supporting cast is enough to keep them in the upper echelon.

With all that being said, my pick for the 2010 NBA Finals is the Cavs against the Lakers with the King getting his ring and staying in Cleveland for his whole career like he should.