Contender or Playoffs?

For playoffs, in the next 3 years i could see each of the following making the playoffs at least once:

LAC for reasons mentioned.

Indiana: Collison-Hill-Granger-Hansborough-Hibbert-lots of capspace. they could sneak in.

Bucks: they were there recently; full healthy season from bogut and/or a nice 3rd year bump from jennings, their back in.

Nets: Deron, Lopez, and if they get lucky with a big FA, they'd  be in.

Golden State: New owners, maybe they'll play their cards right and/or hire a coach that can teach defense.

Wizards: Wall is very very good, McGee has legit talent, plus solid draft, they could sneak in soon.

But for contender, I'd have to go with Utah.
They are the team on this list that is generally regarded as well run, and a strong front office is what gives you the best odds of truly contending. They have legit players at every position now that they snagged Burks for SG and still have Bell. They have legit size in Kanter, Millsap, Favors, Okur, Jefferson, for depth or trade bait. They have picks from the Williams deal. They won 39 games last year, a tumultuous season. If they don't re-sign Kirilenko, they'd go into next offseason with Jefferson, Millsap, Favors, Kanter, Burks, Harris, Bell, Hayward under contract at 48 million, so depending on the CBA they could add an impact FA at that time.

I definitely think a lot of these teams can be good and the results of the lockout will matter. Will we get revenue sharing? 

I think the Kings are 1 all star and another starter away if Jimmer turns out well. They need a vet on the floor. Honestly, I think if they can get someone like Prince and someone like David West from FA they can be in the playoffs this year and maybe even contenders next year.