NBA Power Rankings: Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls steal the offseason

19 of 21

Los Angeles Lakers Duo LeBron James and Russell Westbrook (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

3. Los Angeles Lakers

Losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Phoenix Suns was clearly not acceptable for the Los Angeles Lakers, who were the defending champions at the time. During the offseason, the Lakers made some major changes that were headlined by acquiring Russell Westbrook.

The big question for Los Angeles heading into this season is whether a trio of Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis can work together. The fits are a bit weird but the talent should not be questioned. This could be LeBron’s last great chance at a title and he’s going to have a fair shot at one.

I have the Lakers penciled in as the best team in the Western Conference to start the season and I have a feeling that Los Angeles is entering this year with a bit of a chip on its shoulder. And that’s a scary thought – LeBron, Westbrook, and AD with a chip on their shoulders.