LA has no chance at hca in the playoffs, they are not relevant in that sense.
Miami might play for best record in the east, but I doubt they stay healthy; how many years has shaq missed 20 or so games a season? Older but slightly lighter is supposed to make a huge difference there? He is still too big for his own good....
Don't give them any mind. It is between minny and the spurs this year, the run n gun phoenix are the dark horse IMO...