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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8. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers were the big winners of the 2018 NBA offseason, I don’t think anyone will argue with that assessment. However, after locking up the biggest free agent on the open market (LeBron James), they made some…interesting…moves.

The Lakers surrounded LeBron with the likes of Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVal McGee and Michael Beasley. Not exactly the stars that many expected the Lakers to target as soon as LeBron announced he was taking his talents to LA, but it’s important to note that the team already has a solid young core.

The success of the Lakers will fall on the shoulders of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma. If each of those players can take a big progressional step this season, they should be fine.