NBA Power Rankings: Can Lakers, Nets flip the switch for the stretch run?

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Los Angeles Lakers (Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports) /

16. Los Angeles Lakers

I’m not sure what the future holds for the Los Angeles Lakers, but one thing is for sure: this is a team that is far from a championship contender at the moment. What’s most concerning is that LeBron James is playing at an elite level and it doesn’t matter.

Russell Westbrook has been bad this season and Anthony Davis hasn’t been healthy – and is currently sidelined with an injury.

15. Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic young players in the league and has the Minnesota Timberwolves on the verge of making a return to the postseason. At the very least, this is a fun team to watch grow. At the most, this is a young, exciting team that is going to give any team headaches in a playoff series.