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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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(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

15. Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets clinched the sixth seed behind first-time All-Star D’Angelo Russell, who departed for the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade deal involving Kevin Durant.

For the Nets, it stings to see Russell go after his best season, but the front office acquired an upgrade in Kyrie Irving, who’s a more efficient scorer. He may have a questionable demeanor, but the six-time All-Star averages 22.2 points, shooting 47 percent from the field and 39 percent beyond the arc.

Durant will miss the entire 2018-19 campaign, but Irving will share the floor with emerging talents like Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie and Jarrett Allen alongside 11-year veteran DeAndre Jordan. The Nets are still a playoff team; they’ll become title contenders with Durant back in 2020.

14. Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks will have an intriguing duo on the court with Kristaps Porzingis and 2018-19 Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic. The 7’4″ big man suffered a torn ACL in February, but team governor Mark Cuban expects him to return on a managed load in the upcoming season.

Although Porzingis has missed 60 games in three years, he’s a special talent because of his production on both ends of the court and ability to knock down shots behind the three-point line. If Delon Wright picks up where he left off with Memphis last year and Tim Hardaway Jr. continues to knock down the three-ball, the Mavericks may sneak up on teams out West.

13. Miami Heat

The Miami Heat have a new star player in town, acquiring Butler via sign-and-trade. After sending Hassan Whiteside to the Portland Trail Blazers, the team may see the full rise of Bam Adebayo who was stuck in a minutes share with the departed big man.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra has done a good job keeping this team competitive after the club’s championship runs with James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Now, he has an All-Star caliber talent, a serviceable veteran in Goran Dragic and two high-upside players with Justise Winslow and Adebayo primed to see big minutes.

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