On the eve of training camp, NBA.com sat down with many of the NBA's best and brightest to go one-on-one and catch up on topics ranging from their summer vacations to offseason changes throughout the league. In the first of a series of interviews, Los Angeles Lakers forward Robert Horry and Portland's Steve Smith talk about the recent moves surrounding their teams and what they expect from the upcoming season.

Q: Any surprise teams this year?
A: My pick, which no one is talking about is Charlotte. They are going to have a great team. They have Eddie (Jones), Elden Campbell, Anthony Mason back. They have a good rookie in Baron Davis. They are going to have a good team. I think they will win the East. Miami will be there also, but in my eyes Charlotte will be the team that everyone will have to reckon with.

Q: In the West?
A: Besides us, I think Seattle. They made a lot of key additions to their team this summer. The Spurs because they are the defending champs, but it will be tough for them because their bench isn't very deep.

Q: Are you worried about adapting to the triangle offense?
A: No, because the triangle is just playing basketball. Those guys who are used to not thinking on the court, it may be tough. I'm the type of player that loves being able to move. Everybody's going to be everywhere and you have to worry about every player on the court, so that's the part I like.

Q: Have the offseason rumors of you going to Houston gotten to you at all, and how do you deal with that?
A: That is the business of the game, you can't even worry about that. In the summertime all you can do is prepare yourself for the next season. Whatever happens, happens, I'm just glad to be playing this game.

Q: Do you see yourself as a leader on this team with your championship experience and all the young players?
A: No, not really because in my eyes everybody should be able to lead themselves, you shouldn't need a leader. There is no need to have one leader out there on the court.

Q: What happened last season in the playoffs?
A: We just didn't play well. We ran into an extremely good team that wound up winning the championship.

Q: Do you think the Lakers have done enough in the offseason to dethrone San Antonio?
A: I don't think San Antonio will be as big this year because there are more games and they need a bigger bench, their bench is slim to none. I think that's one of the things that's going to hurt them. Especially with Sean's health, it is going to be really difficult for them to repeat, and easier for us to have a shot at the title.

Q: Are you looking forward to playing for Phil and what do you think he can bring to help out the younger guys?
A: I don't really know, because I don't know Phil, never had an opportunity to talk with him. I've never even seen him outside of being with another team coaching at the opposite bench. Hopefully he can bring some good knowledge to us and everyone will listen to him.