Western Conference Power Rankings after week 1 of free agency
By Austin McGee
10. Los Angeles Lakers
Draft Picks: Dalton Knecht, Bronny James
Offseason Acquisitions: None
Departures: Taurean Prince
The Los Angeles Lakers surprisingly stood pat this offseason after being linked to numerous free agents across the association. Even though the Lakers failed to make a splash signing, they'll assuredly be competitive in the Western Conference.
Unfortunately, the Lakers finished seventh in the West a season ago and are reliant upon 39-year-old LeBron James and oft-injured, 31-year-old star Anthony Davis. Running it back in the vaunted Western Conference with a roster similar to last season likely won't muster strong results.
The Lakers are equally interchangeable with their cross-town rivals ranked 10th. However, the purple and gold have a solid third and fourth option—Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell. Furthermore, the Lakers possess Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood, and Gabe Vincent.
After winning one more game than the 10th-place Warriors from a season ago, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Lakers finish anywhere from sixth to 11th. Los Angeles doesn't lack star power, but a similar roster to last season doesn't spell contender.