Power Rankings
Overall Ranking: 25th
Tier: Bottom-Feeders
Projected Seeding: 12th in West
The Lakers hoped to come out of this past summer with one or more frontcourt star: they pursued PF/C LaMarcus Aldridge, C DeAndre Jodan, PF/C Greg Monroe, and even a trade for C/PF DeMarcus Cousins in an effort to get aging franchise star SG/SF Kobe Bryant one last crack at title number six. The result? Flipping a future second-rounder for disgruntled C Roy Hibbert. Don't get me wrong: Hibbert is certainly a viable starting center, a productive rebounder and great shot-blocker, but has an alarmingly poor offensive game and field goal percentage considering his 7'2" stature and is certainly no Aldridge or Cousins. Bryant and Hibbert are joined by a trio of youngsters in the starting five: PG/SG D'Angelo Russell, PG/SG Jordan Clarkson, and PF Julius Randle. Despite the solid veteran depth on this team coming from guys like SG/PG Louis William, PF/C Brandon Bass, and SF/SG Nick Young, this squad is still far from a playoff team, even if Kobe is still productive at 37 years old and coming off injury. The future is bright in LA with Russell, Clarkson, and Randle, but it seems more than likely that Bryant will retire without a ring on his other hand.
Overall Ranking: 25th
Tier: Bottom-Feeders
Projected Seeding: 12th in West
The Lakers hoped to come out of this past summer with one or more frontcourt star: they pursued PF/C LaMarcus Aldridge, C DeAndre Jodan, PF/C Greg Monroe, and even a trade for C/PF DeMarcus Cousins in an effort to get aging franchise star SG/SF Kobe Bryant one last crack at title number six. The result? Flipping a future second-rounder for disgruntled C Roy Hibbert. Don't get me wrong: Hibbert is certainly a viable starting center, a productive rebounder and great shot-blocker, but has an alarmingly poor offensive game and field goal percentage considering his 7'2" stature and is certainly no Aldridge or Cousins. Bryant and Hibbert are joined by a trio of youngsters in the starting five: PG/SG D'Angelo Russell, PG/SG Jordan Clarkson, and PF Julius Randle. Despite the solid veteran depth on this team coming from guys like SG/PG Louis William, PF/C Brandon Bass, and SF/SG Nick Young, this squad is still far from a playoff team, even if Kobe is still productive at 37 years old and coming off injury. The future is bright in LA with Russell, Clarkson, and Randle, but it seems more than likely that Bryant will retire without a ring on his other hand.