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Los Angeles Lakers shoot up Bleacher Report power rankings

By Kenneth Teape

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 19: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to head coach Luke Walton in the second half of a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 110-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 19: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to head coach Luke Walton in the second half of a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 110-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers have shot up Bleacher Report’s NBA Power Rankings since the signing of LeBron James.

The Los Angeles Lakers had one of the best offseasons of any team in the NBA. They landed the crown jewel of free agency, agreeing to a four-year deal with LeBron James.

When Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka took over the Lakers’ front office, they had one goal in mind; bringing the team back to prominence. They accomplished that by landing James, instantly moving up the ranks of NBA teams.

They did not stop after the James signing. Los Angeles rounded out their young core with seasoned veterans to help speed up the rebuild.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was re-signed shortly after James signed his deal. After that, the Lakers added playoff-tested veterans to the mix. Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, Rajon Rondo and Michael Beasley were all signed to one-year deals.

While some people are questioning the fit of some of the players, there is no doubt the Lakers roster has improved. They will have some talented players coming off their bench and fighting for playing time.

In addition to the veterans added this offseason, Los Angeles has an impressive young core in place. Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and Ivica Zubac are five players any team would like to have in place.

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If those younger players continue developing, the Lakers will have quite a squad on their hand. With James in town, those players have a chance to learn from one of the best players to ever grace a court.

As a result, the expectations for the Lakers this season is increasing. James had made the playoffs 13 consecutive seasons, eight straight in which he has made the NBA Finals. Lakers fans are hopeful he can keep those streaks alive in Los Angeles. Bleacher Report believes they have a shot as well.

Recently, Bleacher Report released their newest power rankings reflecting what happened in free agency. The Lakers made quite a jump, as they are now ranked No. 7 following free agency.

Here is part of what they said about the Lakers spot in the rankings.

"Unless the Lakers suddenly spring for a second star (cough, Kawhi Leonard), they might not have enough to contend for the crown. Then again, they have the King, so who knows how the ceiling should sit. He’ll elevate everyone around him, and L.A.’s nucleus is stronger than last season’s 35-47 record indicates."

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The Lakers have improved their record the last two seasons and look like they will do it for a third. With James in town, the Lakers have a good shot to remain in the top-10 of power rankings throughout the season. If the young core continues developing, they have a great shot to jump up even higher.

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