NBA Power Rankings: Cavaliers are right where they want to be

The Los Angeles Lakers are actually a competent basketball team again. Who would’ve thought that getting rid of Byron “Get Off My Lawn” Scott and Kobe “Old Man Yells At Cloud” Bryant would’ve had a positive effect on a young team? The answer to that question of course is everyone. Los Angeles finally embraced a full rebuild and just in time too as the perfect option was waiting out there for the Lakers opening. <p>Luke Walton should already have the place picked out for where he’s going to place his first coach of the year trophy. After being denied last year on a technicality, his fast restart of the Lakers’ franchise is more impressive than his 39-4 run with the Golden State Warriors last season. D’Angelo Russell looks more like the player we saw in Columbus than he did at any point during his rookie season. Julius Randle is still going predominantly left, but now the offense creates the space and opportunity for him to do so. Jordan Clarkson has adapted nicely to his next life as a perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate. Also, Brandon Ingram’s tattoos no longer make his arms look like a Chipotle bag (huge improvement for the rookie).</p> <p>The Lakers being fun, I’m not yet ready to brand them “good” just yet, is great for basketball and they are coming off back-to-back home victories over Pacific division foes in Golden State and the Phoenix Suns. Now isn’t the time to go too crazy for Hollywood’s team though. Los Angeles is exceeding expectations only because they had dragged those expectations through the mud by their own doing. If they can keep up this pace, as improbable as that sounds, than they could possibly backdoor their way into the postseason with 46 wins. How fun would a Warriors and Lakers first round series be! Please Basketball Gods, don’t let us down now.</p>. . . Los Angeles Lakers. 17. team. 20