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Los Angeles Lakers: Where does this team rank in the post-free agency power rankings?

By Maurice Moton

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 05: NBA players LeBron James (L) and Anthony Davis watch a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the New York Knicks during the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 5, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 05: NBA players LeBron James (L) and Anthony Davis watch a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the New York Knicks during the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 5, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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27. Oklahoma City Thunder

We’re going to watch the Oklahoma City Thunder head to the NBA wastelands following the departures of George and Westbrook. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Chris Paul seems more likely to remain with the team since the front office has “parked” discussions on moving him elsewhere.

Paul registered career-lows in field-goal percentage (42) and points per game (15.6) last year; he’s also missed 24 contests in consecutive years. The Thunder have Dennis Schroder to fill in for the nine-time All-Star, a developing talent in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Steven Adams in the middle, but that’s not going to cut it in the West.

26. Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies will have a fun duo to watch; Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are both versatile playmakers at their respective positions. The former will need to take care of the basketball; he averaged 5.2 turnovers per contest at Murray State. The latter could put his skill set on full display through a healthy season after missing 24 games last year.

Grizzlies fans will see bright spots with Morant and Jackson as they build chemistry on the court. They’ll provide some sparks at FedEx Forum, but the pair will be a work in progress for the 2019-20 term.

25. Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young didn’t win 2018-19 Rookie of the Year, but don’t overlook his impressive campaign, averaging 19.1 points and 8.1 assists per outing on a 29-53 team. John Collins should have a strong third season after showing flashes over the last two terms.

Head coach Lloyd Pierce and his staff will need to develop their young talent on the wings to reach a playoff-contending level. Allen Crabbe can shoot the three-ball, but a fast career start for De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish would put this team in the conversation for a playoff spot in a couple of years. For now, they’re in the early stages of development.

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