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NBA Power Rankings: Reshuffling every tier of contenders

By Jakob Ashlin

Feb 2, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) drives past Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) drives past Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) shoots as Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis (6) defends during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Power Rankings Tier 6: Is that still happening?

These teams are still going for it? Possibly?

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are seemingly trying to win now. At the trade deadline, they made a flurry of moves, which brought D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Mo Bamba to town. While those players improve the team, it is far from enough to catch up with the contenders in the West.

Prior to All-Star weekend, James missed time with an ankle injury. In an odd decision, he returned for the All-Star game. Then, he injured his hand on the rim. His status moving forward is worth monitoring. Do James and the Lakers prioritize winning this season?

For the season, the Lakers are 24th in net rating (113.9). They are also 26th in 3-point percentage (33.7). With rumors of locker room problems and the third-worst record in the West, the Lakers are firmly out of the mix, right now.

Washington Wizards

The Wizards actually have a talented core trio in Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis, and Kyle Kuzma, but their lack of depth is a real problem.

Washington’s trade deadline activity painted a picture of their goals. They held on to Beal, Porzingis, and Kuzma, and they moved on from Rui Hachimura and Will Barton. So, they are not expecting to be real contenders this season, but they do not want to kick off a rebuild, yet. That leaves them here in Tier 6.

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