2018 NBA Power Rankings: The Warriors win the offseason; Lakers are back

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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11. Portland Trail Blazers

After securing the third seed in the Western Conference playoffs last season, many thought that the Portland Trail Blazers had potentially turned a corner. However, after getting swept by the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round, it seems that the Blazers are more at a crossroads than on the other side of a corner.

You can only question whether or not the dynamic duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum have hit its ceiling. This team hasn’t really jumped to the next level at all, and have been nothing more than a highlight tease over the last two seasons.

This is a big year for the Blazers. It could be the start of something bigger, or the beginning of the end for this core.