By Andrew Hill

Leaving aside for a moment the headline news about Miami that are still echoing around the world, let’s focus on what other teams are doing to strengthen their game and increase their options for the title. With important names switching cities and some other negotiations still going on, the 30 teams are getting ready for the begging of the 65th season on October 26th, when the battle for the Championship ring will take place.

The Lakers begin the race for their third title in a row believing in the group that they already had, and the best news are that Derek Fisher will stay, after being tempted my Miami, and that Steve Blake will join the squad. The new point guard has won championships in every league that he has played except this one; now he is facing a new challenge, which happens to be also the greatest in his career.

The Eastern Conference champions, Boston Celtics, have re-signed Nate Robinson for two years, Paul Pierce for four, and Ray Allen for two. They have also signed Jermaine O’Neal, the center/forward from Miami, as well as Avery Bradley and Luke Harangody, 19th and 52 pick from the 2010 NBA Draft respectively.

Amar’e Stoudemire is leaving Phoenix for New York, after signing a 5 years deal for $100 million, and puts and end to eight years in the Suns. Steve Nash will definitely miss his combinations, and the fans his stats of 21.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. In New York, Mike D’Antoni, former Suns coach is awaiting for him with open arms. But that’s not all; Bobcat’s point guard Raymond Felton also joins the team. Last season he averaged 12.1 points and 5.5 assists.

A sign-and-trade between Warriors and Knicks brings David Lee to Washington, and takes Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and Kelenna Azubuike to New York. Last season was a good one for Lee, leading the team with 20.2 points and 11.7 rebounds, and earning his first All-Star team appearance.

The veteran forward Corey Maggatte joins the Bucks, who played for Golden State last season, and averaged 19.8 points, in exchange for Dan Gadzuric and Charlie Bell. Forward-Guard Chris Douglas-Roberts will join Milwaukee after playing for the Nets last season, and is looking forward to improve on his second year as a pro.

Inside scorer Carlos Boozer leaves Utah, where he played for six seasons, for Chicago. He had an average of 19.5 points and 11.2 rebounds this past year, numbers that give the Bulls reasons to expect great things from Boozer during the next five years. The deal was signed around $75 millions. They have also signed shooting guard Ronnie Brewer for $12.5 million, who will play in Chicago for the next three years.

The Rockets’ have found a back up for Yao Ming in Brad Miller, who has signed for three years in exchange of $15 million, but the greatest news are that the Chinese is ready for his comeback, and that Luis Scola expanded this contract.

There is no I in team

These are just some of the most important changes that have been going on, and we see a tendency in most of the teams, where they are more focused in team players rather than superstars, except from Miami, and they are giving continuity to an idea, to a process. This is what you can tell by reviewing the current rosters of the leading teams from the most recent playoffs. We’ll have a full new season to find out who’s choices where the best.