Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers, for the most part, have been a laughingstock in the Western Conference. However, with the NBA Trade Deadline quickly approaching, this is a team that has an opportunity to emerge as a potential dark horse heading toward the latter portion of the season.
After the move for Rui Hachimura, the Lakers should be even more aggressive in the trade market over the next couple of weeks. The acquisition of Hachimura gives this team a baseline that they can improve on with another move at the trade deadline.
If the Lakers can turn around and make a big move at the deadline, this is a team that could emerge as a potential dark horse in the West. I’m not saying they can evolve into a contender, but maybe they can channel something special as an underdog.