NBA Power Rankings: Lakers, Suns, and Mavs rise after big moves at trade deadline

Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)
Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)
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LA Clippers
LA Clippers duo (Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)

8. LA Clippers

It was rumored that the LA Clippers wanted to add to their backcourt and that’s exactly what the team accomplished at the NBA Trade Deadline. Reggie Jackson, Luke Kennard, and John Wall are out and Bones Hyland and Eric Gordon are in for the Clippers.

Heading into the push toward the playoffs, the big question is whether Hyland and Gordon are enough to spark this team up the West standings. They’re going to need it considering how much the conference overall has improved.

Ultimately, as has been the case for the Clippers over the last few seasons, their chances of contending for a championship could come down to the health of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. It’s as simple as this – if they are healthy, they are going to be a contender. If they’re not, they have a tough road ahead.