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NBA Power Rankings: Will the Lakers ever win again?

By Ian Levy

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs scores on his jumper in front of LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers to take a 143-142 lead during overtime at Staples Center on October 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs scores on his jumper in front of LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers to take a 143-142 lead during overtime at Staples Center on October 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 21: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates after scoring a basket against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Staples Center on October 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 21: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates after scoring a basket against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Staples Center on October 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

. . Previous: 21st. Los Angeles Clippers. 14. team. 77

The Clippers have played very strong defense to being the season, suffocating the Oklahoma City Thunder and stealing a huge win from the Houston Rockets. Danilo Gallinari has looked spry, Tobias Harris is building on his strong preseason and rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been impressive in his constrained role.

However, finding solutions in the backcourt is still a challenge. Lou Williams has started the season cold, shooting just 28.9 percent from the field and 25.0 percent on 3s. All three of the primary veteran guard combinations (Beverley/Williams, Beverley/Bradley and Bradley/Williams) have been overwhelmingly outscored, and at some point they’ll have to work Milos Teodosic back into the lineup. With how well Gilgeous-Alexander has played and how much defensive potential he brings, it might be time to start exploring trades to clear out some more room.

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