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NBA Power Rankings: Impact of the 2015 Trade Deadline

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) looks on before the game against the Washington Wizards at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) looks on before the game against the Washington Wizards at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Wesley Johnson (11) and guard Jeremy Lin (17) react to a 3-point basket in the second half of the game against the Boston Celtics at Staples Center. Lakers won 118-111 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Wesley Johnson (11) and guard Jeremy Lin (17) react to a 3-point basket in the second half of the game against the Boston Celtics at Staples Center. Lakers won 118-111 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

28. Los Angeles Lakers

Previous: No. 29

Record: 14-41

Last Week: 1-1

Key Acquisitions: N/A

Without Kobe Bryant and rookie Julius Randle, the Los Angeles Lakers have very little to play for. Some players are looking to earn more money come the 2015 offseason, while others are attempting to prove they simply belong.

This isn’t the riveting television that Lakers fans are accustomed to seeing, but it’s intriguing nonetheless.

Veterans such as Carlos Boozer and Jeremy Lin are on expiring contracts, thus giving them plenty to prove. The resurgent Ed Davis has a player option for 2015-16, but he’s already played himself into more than the $1.1 million he’s due.

Until then, the Lakers aren’t even expected to celebrate a victory.

At 14-41, it’s fair to ask for more.

At least L.A. is on pace to retain its Top 5 protected draft pick.

Next: Incredible Potential