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NBA Power Rankings: Who are the biggest threats to the Warriors?

By Tony Pesta

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on November 21, 2018 in Oakland, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on November 21, 2018 in Oakland, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

14. Los Angeles Lakers

In many ways, the 2018-19 season has been absolute madness for the Los Angeles Lakers. Signing LeBron James in the Summer was a great move, but with it comes a circus of media and constant rumors that have the potential to derail an entire season.

The Lakers front office is clearly in panic mode as they attempt to surround James with enough talent to win a championship before he reaches the end of his prime. As a result, multiple young players and veterans have found themselves in trade talks. This has had an obvious negative impact on the teams’ chemistry.

Even with all of the controversy, the Lakers have looked solid on the court. When the team was fully healthy, they were moving up the rankings quickly and looking like legit contenders. Since then, multiple injuries have hurt the team.

It is always difficult to judge a LeBron-led-team in the regular season. While they haven’t shown much consistency, the Lakers have managed to “flip the switch” and beat top tier teams like the Warriors, Thunder and the Celtics.

Regardless of how they are performing currently, I doubt any team wants to face LeBron and the Lakers in round one of the playoffs. With their playoff hopes currently lingering, I wouldn’t be surprised if James ramps it up down the stretch of the season to carry LA into the postseason.

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