With All-Star Weekend approaching, NBA teams are looking forward to the second half of the season. As teams look ahead, we will look back and evaluate the success of the major offseason moves.

Los Angeles Lakers

Acquisitions: C Dwight Howard, PG Steve Nash

The Lakers made the biggest splash this past offseason, acquiring 3-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic, to go along with the signing of 2-time MVP Steve Nash. However, these big money signings have led to a season of turmoil, beginning with the firing of head coach Mike Brown only five games into the season. Though he is leading the league in rebounding, Howard is shooting under .500 from the line and has yet to mesh with Kobe Bryant. At age 39, Nash has shown flashes of his former self, but has battled injuries throughout the season. When assembling a new team, it is a given that it will take time for the different players to develop chemistry with each other. How much time is enough though? We are at the half-way point of the season, and the Lakers sit outside the playoff picture under constant media scrutiny.

New York Knicks

Acquisitions: PG Jason Kidd, PG Raymond Felton

One of the biggest surprises of the NBA season so far has been the play of the Eastern Conference’s New York Knicks. Though considered a playoff contender, no one expected the Knicks to be in this position, sitting behind the Miami Heat for second in the east. The offseason signings of 39-year-old Jason Kidd and former-Knick Raymond Felton, have turned into a solid and consistent backcourt in New York. Jason Kidd brings experience and poise to the team while Felton continues to produce. The Knicks continue to shoot the three-ball consistently, which frees up room for all-star selections Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler down low. The return of Iman Shumpert from an ACL injury gives the Knicks the depth they need to make a run in the playoffs this spring.

Houston Rockets

Acquisitions: SG James Harden

The Rockets landed a high-priced guard this offseason in an attempt to make a run in the Western Conference. Sixth Man of the Year winner James Harden, signed a five-year $80 million contract after being traded from the defending Western Conference champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Harden started his Rockets career with a 37-point performance and hasn’t turned back since. He is currently averaging 26 points per game as Houston sits in the eight-spot in the Western Conference.