Until somebody knocks off the Pistons, I'll have to be a shameless homer and say it's theirs to lose.
Honestly, I think there are a bunch of very good teams and any one of which could give the Pistons a run for their money. So, I think it'll be a close race the entire season, but I have to go with Detroit.
As for the Lakers, it's a definite 'maybe.' All other things aside, Kobe Bryant is a terrific player and for better or worse it's his team to lead. He might end up carrying them into the playoffs, but they are clearly not the same team that dominated the NBA a few years back.