The 2009-2010 NBA trade deadline is approaching, and several teams have already shaken up their rosters in attempts to make a push for title contention this season, or to free up salary cap space for the upcoming off season free agent frenzy, which features myriad stars, such as LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire.

While the Dallas Mavericks have already made such a move, acquiring Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood from the disappointing Washington Wizards, other teams, like the Los Angeles Lakers, are looking to stand pat.

1. Los Angeles Lakers
At the end of the day, the Lakers still have more talent on its roster than any other team, and it’s still the defending champs. Kobe Bryant is battling slight injury, and one might expect him to rest more from here on out, but Coach Phil Jackson is leaving it up to him, and Kobe’s too proud to sit. That’s what makes him such a competitor.

The big point of interest with LA is whether or not Andrew Bynum can continue to be assertive when Pau Gasol is in the game. Gasol is the more skilled big man, and when the ball isn’t going through Kobe, it needs to go through him, but Bynum has much to bring to the table, as well.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers
Without LeBron James, the Cavs wouldn’t be a fraction of what they are now. Shaquille O’Neal can still have an effect on a game, because of his size and coordination, but it’s still for him to dog on Dwight Howard, because Shaq isn’t that player anymore. Maybe his tactic is to get under Howard’s skin. More likely, it’s Shaq’s immaturity and insecurities that cause him to partake in the name calling. After all, he did the same thing to Yao Ming when Yao became more popular than Shaq. It was only when Yao gave Shaq a rave review to the media did Shaq back off. It’s not a big deal, unless it becomes a distraction to the rest of the team, or a driver for opponents. In their last meeting, Shaq had 10 points, 6 rebounds and 5 fouls in 19 minutes of work. Howard had 19 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks in 30 minutes. The point is that Shaq’s not the factor he once was and this team will go as far as LeBron can carry them. Adding Amare Stoudemire, which they are rumored to do at this point, may not be the saving grace they thought. Stoudemire didn’t perform particularly well alongside Shaq while in Phoenix, and he doesn’t play with his back to the basket.

3. Orlando Magic
Call it crazy intuition, but Vince Carter may not have shown us how good he still is. He did post 48 points against New Orleans, but he’s had a disappointing season otherwise, averaging around 16.5 ppg and shooting under 40% from the field. Yet, the Magic are still the second best team in the east (record wise) behind the red hot Cavs. If Carter can turn on the heat at some point, watch out.

4. Dallas Mavericks
It’s tough to place the Mavericks without seeing how fast they can gel with their new teammates. On paper, this team is extremely talented, and the Brendan Haywood/Erick Dampier combo at center should help a lot. Caron Butler should fit in well and give Dallas another versatile piece to work with. On paper, the Mavs have the best shot of taking out the talented Lakers.

5. Denver Nuggets
Coach George Karl has done a better job with this team than given credit for. Carmelo Anthony is having a career season, Chauncey Billups finally dropped the “I’m going to defer to everyone else all the time” act and is just playing ball, Nene is having another solid season, and they just keep winning.

6. Boston Celtics
Their age is starting to show, as Rajon Rondo has been their best player this season. For the Celtics to have a shot, Kevin Garnett has to get back to playing form like he did a couple seasons ago. Paul Pierce has to be more assertive offensively, and Ray Allen has to be more consistent, as he once was. Trading Rasheed Wallace is a mistake, because he’s deadly in the playoffs.