SLAM DUNKS: F Elton Brand (24.7 ppg, 10.0 rpg) continued his stellar performance in the paint, posting a career high in points en route to an All-NBA Second Team selection. A two-time All-Star, Brand has averaged 20-10 in four of his seven years in the league. ... G Sam Cassell (17.2, 6.3 apg) will be counted on once again for his veteran leadership and clutch shooting down the stretch. Cassell was able to find his touch from 3-point range again, connecting on 36 percent after a lowly showing in 2005. ... G Cuttino Mobley (14.8) was solid in his first season in Los Angeles despite his scoring average dipping a bit. ... C Chris Kaman (11.9, 9.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg) finally broke out, recording career highs in scoring, rebounds and field-goal percentage. The 7-footer's ability to score in the paint will help take pressure off Brand in late-game situations.

AIRBALLS: G-F Corey Maggette (17.8) battled through injury and several trade rumors last season. Despite finishing as the third-leading scorer on the team, Maggette saw his scoring average drop by five points and appeared in just 32 games in 2005. GUESSWORK: Decisions will have to be made regarding the backcourt as the development of G Shaun Livingston (5.8, 4.5 apg), who might be suffering behind Cassell. Livingston, the fourth overall pick in 2004, saw his scoring, assists and minutes drop this past season as he split time with the veteran. Whether positive or negative, at some point Dunleavy will have to let the 21-year-old spread his wings and become the new floor general.

THINKING CAP: Los Angeles has plenty of cap room to spare in the coming years and can attract any free agent it chooses. However, Kaman and Livingston both are due for lucrative long-term contract extensions in the near future.

D-LEAGUE CANDIDATE: F Jawad Williams

THE COACH SAYS: "We have no timetable with Shaun. It's basically, we don't want to push him into a situation that he won't be ready for. But as his confidence grows, the better he gets, the harder it is to keep him off the floor."