NBA Power Rankings: Lakers are champions; Nets look to crash the East

Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
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Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Zach LaVine (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

26. Chicago Bulls

In essence, I like what the Chicago Bulls are building even though I didn’t fully understand what they were doing with the hiring of Billy Donovan. Nevertheless, this team has some interesting talent on its roster and continues to collect young pieces.

Zach LaVine is a good player but I’m not sure any team will be able to win anything substantial with him as your best player. That’s the biggest issue with this team right now. LaVine is a good player but has proven he isn’t a No. 1.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder

Simply losing Chris Paul will knock the Oklahoma City Thunder down the Western Conference standings. The team landed Al Horford but I’m not sure that’s good enough for this team to remain in the top 8 of the West.

This season will be about continuing to develop their young talent and perhaps poaching a disgruntled star with the myriad of draft assets this team has at their disposal.