Here's a look at what each team in the Western Conference might be watching for as the draft approaches:

HOUSTON COMETS

In 2002: Finished 24-8 (second-most wins in the league behind L.A.); lost 2-1 to Utah in the Western Conference semifinals; was a league-best 14-2 at home. What they have: Plenty, which is good because this team historically has been forced to rely so heavily on its primary scorers. It starts with reigning MVP Sheryl Swoopes, who was great last year in her first season back from a torn ACL and should be even better this summer. Tina Thompson is as good a pro as you can get. This is a steady team that plays great at both ends of the floor. The offense often overshadows the defense, but last year Houston held foes to 37.5 percent shooting from the field, which led the league. Cynthia Cooper, who plans to return after retiring two seasons ago, is the X-factor. She would never come back unless she was air-tight with her conditioning. She'll be ready and motivated. And although no one knows what level or sort of season Cooper will put together, she'll still be very effective, similar to Michael Jordan's impact at Washington. Of course, how her presence will affect the team's chemistry also will be key. Janeth Arcain and Michelle Snow also are steady starters. Snow had a decent rookie season, but look for her to be even better her second year as a pro. What they need: After six seasons, Van Chancellor is still looking for a point guard to help take pressure off of Swoopes and Janeth Arcain, and a guard who can change things up defensively -- such as a Debbie Black or Tamicha Jackson in the dispersal draft -- would be a great addition. Chancellor would love to have Kara Lawson if she's still around when Houston makes its first-round pick in the college draft. She's got fire, is tough and a great leader, and won't cry when she doesn't get any shots. She's the type of player who would fit in well in Houston. If a good guard isn't available in the dispersal draft, expect Chancellor to go with someone such as Pollyanna Johns or Kristen Rasmussen.

LOS ANGELES SPARKS

In 2002: Finished 25-7; swept both Seattle (conference semifinals) and Utah (conference final) in the West before going 2-0 against New York to win its second consecutive WNBA title. What they have: Michael Cooper loves his team, and why not? The Sparks have everything they need, beginning with Lisa Leslie, the best post in the world who continues to get better by the minute and can play the 5 or the 3. Tamecka Dixon is a great player at both ends of the floor (although she has to concentrate on shot selection and taking her game back to an all-star level), Mwadi Mabika continues to ascend and DeLisha Milton gives you everything you need. Nikki Teasley eased right into the starting lineup, then hit the big 3-pointer in the WNBA finals. The bench is loaded with veterans, such as Latasha Byears, who's tough and as good an offensive rebounder as there is. Sophia Witherspoon has been to the playoffs every year except one, and Nicky McCrimmon is a solid role player who can shoot the 3. And more than anything, this team has Penny Toler on its side. The Sparks' GM was a tremendous college and pro player, and although might not be a future Hall of Famer, she has transitioned to the front office and won back-to-back championships. Her trades have paid off and her behind-the-scenes efforts have helped lift L.A. to the league's elite. What they need: L.A.'s only major loss is Vedrana Grgin-Fonseca, the 6-1 Croatian forward who suffered a torn ACL. Cooper really liked her. Other than that, there is no major hole on this team, and because of its success, loaded L.A. won't have a great draft position to get a chance to add anybody spectacular. This is a great team with great depth and a good mix of youth and experience. The Sparks will probably go after the best athlete available, and might look to add an outside shooter.

MINNESOTA LYNX

In 2002: Finished 10-22, last in the West. What they have: Because of numerous trades over the years, Minnesota never had a chance for continuity, and that's disappointing because the Lynx have always been young and talented. Katie Smith is a fantastic player. Georgia Schweitzer is solid. Svetlana Abrosimova can only get better if used appropriately. Tamika Williams had a solid rookie season. Tamara Moore is big and strong and a great defender. Minnesota has a good bench, too. In fact, Kristi Harrower, is a great point guard and perhaps should have started more than six games last summer. She was good enough to start for the Australians at the Olympics, played in the WNBA finals when Phoenix met up with Houston, and learned from Michele Timms, one of the best point guards in the world. Moore is a good leader, athletic and vocal and strong and aggressive, but she doesn't have tremendous lateral speed. Harrower would be my starting point guard. What they need: In the past, Minnesota played in a five-motion offense, where every part was interchangeable. But the Lynx never had a true post presence in that set. Considering they have 6-foot-6 Michele VanGorp, 6-2 Tamika Williams and 6-5 Janell Burse, you would expect them to get down on the low post and post up the opponent more. So maybe coach Suzie McConnell Serio will go after a post. She might, however, also pursue a point guard, and could be very interested in someone such as Ukari Figgs in the dispersal draft. The team traded away Betty Lennox last season.

PHOENIX MERCURY

In 2002: Finished 11-21, seventh in the West. What they have: Last year, the Mercury were a disaster. From a coaching standpoint, they were very unstable, and by the end of the year, 12 different players had started at least once. The team relied a lot on Jennifer Gillom, a savvy veteran who played very well. And while she's a great shooter who will always find a way to put the ball in the basket, she has to be able to pace herself a little more offensively. She's a smart veteran, but she doesn't have as much lateral speed or quickness. Gordana Grubin had a great season individually, but experimenting with her at the point is controversial -- Grubin still dribbles with her head down. She also dribbles too much, which throws off the offense. Lisa Harrison played well consistently, but Kristen Veal, who has shown flashes of the future, and Adrain Williams needs to be more consistent. Defensively, the Mercury stunk it up and were never in tune with coach Cynthia Cooper before she resigned. But Phoenix is starting over from the beginning, and new coach John Shumate is a good addition and a good start. What they need: Phoenix must come with a different team than it did a year ago. Adding another veteran wouldn't hurt, and a shooter is key. The biggest hole to fill is an athletic 3. Brandy Reed played in just five games last year, and the Mercury lost a lot without her. Reed could score, rebound, break you down off the dribble; she could put it down anytime she wanted, and was a perimeter player who could be a scoring wing and hurt you in a number of ways. Now, Veal penetrates but has no real threat to kick the ball to. In the dispersal draft, Betty Lennox, Ukari Figgs or Sheri Sam would fit that need. Gwen Jackson would be a great addition in the college draft. She's a big body who plays with good tempo and rhythm, and someone who should be able to take her game to the pro level, even though she's a 4 who must transition into a 3. Coretta Brown or Jocelyn Penn also would be a good fit.

SACRAMENTO MONARCHS

In 2002: Finished 14-18 after winning 12 of final 16 games. What they have: Injuries played a big part of the Monarchs' losing record last season, but this is a very talented team that should be just fine. Yolanda Griffith, a perennial all-star and former WNBA MVP, played in just 17 games, Ticha Penicheiro sat out eight games and Edna Campbell missed all but one game. So you can't say Sacramento didn't play well; it just didn't have its stars. They should be healthy this season, however, and field a tremendous lineup with Tangela Smith, Kedra-Holland Corn and Lady Grooms. Bolton, a future Hall of Famer, gives you instant intensity and firepower off the bench. La'Keshia Frett and Andrea Nagy aren't seeing a lot of time, but are still good, solid players who are making an impact off the bench. Tangela Smith is the most unsung player in this league and will be an all-star some day. What they need: Perhaps a 3 or a 2, where they're getting a little older. Bolton has played the 3 a lot lately, and she's sort of undersized there. With their college picks, the Monarchs will probably go after the best athlete available, which might be Jocelyn Penn, Gwen Jackson, Coretta Brown or Plentte Pierson. Ukari Figgs, who can play the 1-2, or Sheri Sam, a 2-3, would be good additions in the dispersal draft.

SAN ANTONIO SILVER STARS

In 2002: The former Utah Starzz finished 20-12; beat Houston to advance to Western Conference finals, where they were swept 2-0 by L.A. What they have: This has been one of the league's most talented teams for years, and it proved it last year, finally beating the Comets and getting a career year from Adrienne Goodson. The All-Star is the real deal and the most athletic player on this team. Jennifer Azzi continues to run a tight ship. She doesn't do anything spectacular, but she is consistent and makes you pay if you don't guard her. Natalie Williams really is the X-factor. She had a very disappointing season last summer, and we should expect her to come back in shape, healthy and excited. Add in Margo Dydek, who has gotten better every year, and Amy Harrig, a blue-collar type who can run the floor and a big body with very good post-up moves, and this team is really talented and really good. The Silver Stars can go to town on any night with that lineup. Now they just need to believe they can beat L.A. What they need: Other than the confidence it takes to win a title, San Antonio doesn't need much. But if you look closely, you can see the Silver Stars needing a 3. Goodson is still great, but she is getting older, and one day they'll have to replace her. San Antonio would do well to pick up an athletic 3-4. Some players available in the dispersal draft that would fit the bill are Kristin Folkl, a big body who can step out, and the athletic LaQuanda Barksdale.

SEATTLE STORM

In 2002: Finished 17-15; swept 2-0 by L.A. in Western Conference semifinals. What they have: After having the No. 1 pick the past two years, Seattle did well in adding Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson, who combined for almost 32 points per game last season as All-Stars. Kamila Vodichkova and Simone Edwards also return to the starting lineup, and the team got another boost earlier this month when Anne Donovan was named coach. She will make sure Seattle is fit and playing great defense. While in Charlotte, a team that typically playa a methodical, half-court game, Donovan tried to push tempo a bit. That style will work better and have more success in Seattle with Sue Bird at point. What they need: Bird and Jackson are a great combination, and the Storm thought they had found the third piece to the puzzle last season. Semeka Randall, however, didn't add the offense that Seattle needed and so the Storm are still searching for that additional firepower. Seattle, which traded Randall to Utah for Kate Starbird, really needs someone who can shoot the ball. Felicia Ragland and Jamie Redd are inconsistent, so expect the Storm to go after a pure shooter, someone such as Sandy Brondello or Jackie Stiles. In the college draft, players such as Chrissy Floyd would be a good addition.

Nancy Lieberman, an ESPN analyst and Hall of Famer, is a regular contributor to ESPN.com's women's basketball coverage. Contact her at www.nancylieberman.com.