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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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12. New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans selected Zion Williamson with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft and moved on from Davis for an impressive haul of active talent and future first-round draft picks.

Team vice president David Griffin traded a star, but the return gives this roster a chance to compete right away. Ingram, Ball and Hart will join big man Derrick Favors, sharpshooter J.J. Redick and Jrue Holiday for a solid rotation.

Rookie first-rounders Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker offer significant upside as shown in their summer league performances. The Pelicans may not have a cohesive unit in the first half of the year, but this group could finish strong after the All-Star break.

11. San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs have not missed the postseason since Gregg Popovich took over as a full-time head coach for the 1997-98 campaign. Don’t expect this squad to fall short in the upcoming season.

LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan don’t shoot the three-ball with high frequency, but they’re accurate from mid-range, converting on 53 and 49 percent from the floor, respectively, last season. Dejounte Murray will return to action after tearing his ACL in October—his ability to run the offense should boost the team’s scoring numbers after ranking 18th last year.

The Spurs’ key players have limited shooting range, but defense, execution and efficiency have kept this squad in the playoff hunt under Popovich.

10. Boston Celtics

Clearly, Irving didn’t fit with the Celtics. He posted solid numbers, but his presence may have stunted the growth of younger players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Without him, we could see the 2017-18 forms of both players. Furthermore, we’ll see if Gordon Hayward bounces back after a down season, averaging just 11.5 points.

Boston signed Walker, who’s performing at his peak, coming off his third consecutive All-Star appearance. He’s a 42 percent shooter from the floor, but the 29-year-old is more durable than Irving and joins the locker room without questions about his character.

An inside-outside pair featuring Walker and Enes Kanter should bode well for the Celtics offense. Tatum and Brown are the key players who push this group to the 10th spot.

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