Following an action-packed free agency period with league-altering transactions, we’ll rank the new-look Los Angeles Lakers squad among all 30 teams.
The Los Angeles Lakers and NBA free agency dominated early summer headlines with big names moving to new destinations. Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook, Jimmy Butler, Paul George and Anthony Davis—all perennial All-Stars will play for new teams for the 2019-20 season.
As a result of the offseason movement, the league doesn’t have a clear-cut favorite to win the NBA title—a superteam that stands above the rest.
The Los Angeles Lakers have LeBron James, arguably the best player in the league, though, some may argue his groin injury, and subsequently missing 27 games may precede a noticeable decline in the coming years.
The Lakers managed to pull off a long-awaited trade for Davis, sending multiple future first-rounders, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart to the New Orleans Pelicans in return.
Davis dealt with his fair share of bumps and bruises over the years, but the big man has made six consecutive All-Star appearances, averaging a double-double (with scoring totals above 20 points per game) and at least two blocks in each of those campaigns.
Los Angeles missed out on Leonard but signed several serviceable veterans to build a roster around James and Davis.
Where do the Lakers stand after the free-agency frenzy and blockbuster trades? ESPN.com ranked them No. 6. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey placed the Purple and Gold fourth on his list Friday.
We’ll take a look at all 30 teams, taking roster, coaching and past production into account, and project how each club stacks up across the league. Coming off a 37-45 campaign, where do the Lakers land among a transitioning NBA landscape?