NBA Power Rankings: Can anyone beat the healthy Nets; Bubble Heat back?

Miami Heat defend Joel Embiid (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
Miami Heat defend Joel Embiid (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
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LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

8. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers may be backing into the postseason, may not even be 100 percent back in rhythm, and quite possibly might have to win their way into the playoffs (via the play-in tournament), but they’re still the defending champs until proven otherwise.

If LeBron James and Anthony Davis are healthy and playing, this is a team that you simply can’t count out in the Western Conference just yet.

7. LA Clippers

The LA Clippers have had their ups and downs this season, but have one of the best dynamic duos in the league with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The hope is that this team will play its best basketball over the next few weeks and that they can make a run to the NBA Finals.

Could this be the year for the Clippers? The stars could be lining up for a potential run.