So - which makes a division stronger - total record, teams with playoff legitimacy, or lack of dogmeat teams in a division?
In my mind, there's no question that with the Lakers and Suns, the Pacific division is stronger than the Atlantic, with the Celtics and four teams that are lottery teams if they're in the West.
Remove the games played WITHIN THEIR OWN DIVISION, and the standings look like this:
1. Lakers 20-4 .833 1
2. Celtics 23-5 .821 -
3. Suns 17-10 .630 5.5
4. Nets 13-16 .448 10.5
5. Raptors 12-15 .444 10.5
6. Knicks 11-16 .407 11.5
7. Sixers 11-16 .407 11.5
8. Clippers 8-19 .296 14.5
9. Warriors 9-23 .281 16
10. Kings 4-23 .148 18.5
That translates to three relevant teams: Lakers, Celtics, Suns - and JUNK.
I'd remove wins against the other half if I had time, but lunch calls.