The challengers
Just below the tried-and-true contenders, these teams will be looking to move into the West’s top tier.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
Last season: 35-47, 11th
Notable ins: LeBron James, JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo, Michael Beasley, Moritz Wagner, Svi Mykhailiuk
Notable outs: Julius Randle, Isaiah Thomas, Brook Lopez
As soon as LeBron James made his decision, the Los Angeles Lakers shot up these rankings.
The King is an obvious game-changer, and at first glance he has more to work with in LA than he did in his last year with the Cavaliers. The young talent on the roster should fit well around him, as I wrote early last week, and the veteran signings make sense in a vacuum.
Sure, JaVale McGee, Michael Beasley and Lance Stephenson are questionable personalities, but they all serve a purpose on the court. McGee proved to be a solid rim protector in Golden State, Beasley showed a more well-rounded and mature game last season, and Stephenson… well, maybe he makes a bit less sense, unless he can rediscover his prime from his time in Indiana.
Last year’s Cavaliers were crying out for a playmaker to share the load with LeBron. The Lakers now have two in Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball, and they should bring out the best in each other. Ball had no competition for playing time in his rookie season; with Rondo pushing him and mentoring him, he should be motivated to keep improving.
Brandon Ingram showed glimpses as a playmaker last season, and his shooting continues to trend upwards every year. Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma seem like natural fits as spot-up shooters, and draftees Svi Mykhailiuk and Mo Wagner could find some rotational minutes if their college shooting translates.
Last season, LeBron needed more shooting and more playmaking. On paper, he has both with the Lakers. The youth on the roster may not be ready for a championship push, but they should take LA back to the playoffs with home-court advantage.