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

24. Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls drafted Coby White to speed up their offensive pace. He’ll pair up with Lauri Markkanen to spearhead the team’s youth movement. The latter has already shown his skill set as a threat inside and outside the arc, but the 22-year-old must stay healthy.

Perhaps a full season of Otto Porter Jr. and Zach LaVine with an accelerated offensive pace showcases this team’s true potential to run and up and down the court, scoring in bunches. Wendell Carter Jr.’s return from core-muscle surgery will also give this squad a boost. The Bulls have more experienced components to their starting lineup than the Hawks, propelling them one spot above Atlanta.

23. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks struck out in free agency. The tier-one stars chose to play elsewhere. The front office attempted to salvage the summer, signing serviceable veterans on short-term deals.

Julius Randle, Marcus Morris, Elfrid Payton and Wayne Ellington give this team veteran savvy to go along with Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and RJ Barrett, but the Knicks’ talent will need to show improvement for a bright future. New York lists above the Chicago because of its deep bench with guys like Dennis Smith Jr., Bobby Portis and Morris in the second unit.

22. Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns made a shrewd move, signing Ricky Rubio. Although his assist numbers dipped over the last two seasons, he can still provide some spacing with court vision and set up Devin Booker for good looks at the basket.

Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton hold the keys to this team’s ability to push its way out of the Pacific Division basement.

The Suns won’t reach the playoffs, but they have promising talent with a veteran backcourt that should lead them to 30 wins in the Western Conference.