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Utah Jazz: The J-Notes’ post-free agency West power rankings

By Ryan Aston

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks to shoot in front of the defense by Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 30, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks to shoot in front of the defense by Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 30, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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LeBron James LA Lakers
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 15: Tyronn Lue of the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers greet each other during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 15, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

6) Los Angeles Lakers

Even now, 15 years after he first entered the league, LeBron James remains the best player on the planet. Surround him with 14 other dudes and you’re more or less guaranteed 50 wins and a playoff berth at minimum.

Having said that, things will be harder on the King this time around. Aside from the roster’s young guns — Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma — the Lakers are a baffling bunch.

First-team All-Knucklehead performers Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley, JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo probably weren’t the names anyone had in mind where surrounding James with talent was concerned. For better or worse, though, the Lake Show will be a sight to see.

5) New Orleans Pelicans

Things are finally starting to roll in NOLA.

After averaging just under 32 wins per season over the previous six years, Anthony Davis and Co. racked up nearly 50 last season and advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2007-08.

With AD and Jrue Holiday leading the way, Nikola Mirotic spacing the floor and talented big man Julius Randle joining the fold, I really feel like people are underselling what the Pels are capable of in the year to come.

4) Oklahoma City Thunder

Make no mistake about it — having a healthy Andre Roberson back will be huge for OKC.

When he was on the floor last season, the Thunder outscored opponents by 10 points per 100 possessions; by far the largest positive margin of the team’s rotation regulars. Along the way, they posted a D-rating under 97. Like Rudy Gobert in Utah, Roberson’s impact defensively is legitimately game-changing.

Between his return and Paul George‘s shocking decision to stay put, the Thunder will be right there with the Jazz and the Rockets at the top of the West. Just behind the Warriors, of course.

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