Los Angeles Lakers

Wait, wait, wait patiently. Hasn’t the Los Angeles Lakers’ first time with LeBron James been an unmitigated disaster?
You can call it that, sure. But don’t forget we are talking about James’ first time in Hollywood. He is signed on for at least two more and, other than shouldering some uncharacteristic blows he often looks like the most dominant force of the league.
That’s where the Lakers’ foundation begins. It might be enough on its own to warrant our top spot.
But there’s more to consider here.
Former No. 2 select Brandon Ingram was in the midst of a breakout before deep venous thrombosis prematurely finished his third time. The diamond in the rough of last year, kyle Kuzma, has pushed nearly all of his counting categories . Lonzo Ball continued flood stat sheets with per-36-minute marks of 11.8 points, 6.5 assists and 6.3 rebounds prior to an ankle injury closed him down.
Kuzma is 23 years old; Ingram and Ball are 21. Whether they’re trade chips or building blocks, they remain valuable assets.
They will need more win-now assistance, if the Lakers will make a championship run with James. But given their financial flexibility, youthful talent and potential top-10 pick this summer, they have the means to snag a celebrity (or more) for the second straight offseason.