Wow, that's a long post. I like the pts u make, so let's see
I have no doubt the Lakers will dominate, but since they r old, I dont think they r gonna go all out til the POs, so believe more on a #2 seed, but wouldnt be surprised if they finish as #1, they have arguably the best team in the league.
The Nuggets have a good team, will make it to the POs no doubt, but they also lost players so I dont think they'll be that strong, and dont know if they are better than the spurs, especially not MUCH better as u said. They could finish ahead os the Spurs, but still dont think they'll finish 3rd, tough to say though, Igoudala is a great player.
I see the LAC much better this yr, I dont see how they got worse, they got good players and the ones that left werent good anyway. Mo didnt do shit, was good to get rid of him, same for Nick Young. I think ur really underselling them, they have a deep team and I think they'll do well during the regular season. Griz have a good team too, might do about as well as last season.
Warriors are the wildcard every season lol... I really hope they make it to the POs, but I dont see it happening actually