NBA Power Rankings: State of the Association

Mar 27, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) looks towards forward Kevin Love (0) against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Cavaliers 106 - 98. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 30, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) hits the game winning shot against the Philadelphia 76ers in overtime and is congratulated by forward Ryan Kelly (4) and forward Wesley Johnson (11) at Wells Fargo Center. The Lakers won 113-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous: . Los Angeles Lakers. 27. team. 20. By winning games, the Los Angeles Lakers have actually been losing big. In a lost season in which the postseason is not an option and 60 losses are within reach, the Lakers could potentially end up without a lottery pick. Los Angeles currently has the fourth-worst record in the NBA, but its lottery selection is only Top 5 protected. That’s not good. If the Lakers were to miss out on the opportunity take a player in the Top 4, this season would be more than a lost cause; it’d be a wasted year. Los Angeles still has a first-rounder on the way via the Houston Rockets, but that projects to be in the late 20s. At this point, winning is losing for the Lakers.. (20-53)

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