NBA Hope Index: How far is each team from a ring heading into 2017-18?

10. Los Angeles Lakers

No, there’s nothing about what they’ve done over the last several seasons that gives them any business being in the top ten of this list. To say they’ve floundered of late is an understatement. They’re going to be bad – maybe very bad – and won’t have a pick to show for it.

Here’s the thing: I’m not going to be the one to doubt the man with the million watt smile who is as revered by current players as anyone in the game. I’m especially not going to doubt him with two max salary spots at his disposal, a good young coach, a couple of legitimately interesting young pieces, and easily the most desirable NBA city on the map.

The LeBron and Paul George whispers will persist all year. If they do indeed join forces, it still doesn’t automatically make LA a top team in the West, but if James and Magic are in the same room throwing recruiting pitches across the table, the smart money is on them closing the deal.

Path to Glory: figure out a way to lose Deng’s salary without hemorrhaging too much in the way of young talent or future assets, find a team to take on Clarkson for nothing, sign James, George, and Boogie at a discount, get creative to retain KCP, and hope a killer starting five is enough to take down a Warriors squad that’s been to four straight Finals.