
via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 03:. Lakers forward LeBron James and teammate Anthony Davis defend against Suns guard Chris Paul during the first quarter at Staples Center on Thursday, June 3, 2021 in Los Angeles, CA. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 03:. Lakers forward LeBron James and teammate Anthony Davis defend against Suns guard Chris Paul during the first quarter at Staples Center on Thursday, June 3, 2021 in Los Angeles, CA. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Last season was filled with some unfortunate events where almost every team had players riddled with injuries. Whether it was just bad luck or a result of the ridiculously short offseason, it’s all conjecture at this point.
However, what can be done is to look at what the upcoming 2021-22 NBA season looks like, and safe to say, Lakers fans are not very pleased. At least with the way the power rankings have been announced, with the Phoenix Suns ranked on top of them.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lakers fans express displeasure with offseason power rankings
Talking about the two teams in question, both had to face health issues in their last postseason run. Chris Paul fought through an injury of his own to support the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals. Although he did need to get a wrist surgery done after the season was over.
On the other hand, Anthony Davis did not make it out of the first round itself. And with all the offensive pressure falling on LeBron James’ shoulder, the Lakers eventually got eliminated. However, the offseason for the purple and gold has been very promising, at least on paper. With the addition of Russell Westbrook, they have made a ‘Big Three’ of their own to compete with the Brooklyn Nets’.
But it seems like they have more to worry about in the West itself before they can think about their Eastern Conference competitors. As per the NBA’s offseason power rankings, the Suns are on top, with the Lakers below them, followed by the Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, and finally, the LA Clippers.
This verdict is something that isn’t sitting well with the Lakers fans, who took to Twitter to express their opinion.
The @Suns hold the top spot in the West in the latest offseason power rankings 📈 pic.twitter.com/X8467SjSio
— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 30, 2021
Yal crazy for this one! A healthy Lakers squad in undoubtedly #1
— GO (@MingoGrant) August 30, 2021
NBA seems to forget the Suns we’re in panic mode tryna figure out how to stop AD before he got hurt. It’s cool though receipts ✍🏾✍🏾
— CJ (@CJTheAnalyst) August 30, 2021
Suns over the Lakers? These power rankings are laughable
— Melo (@melowood23) August 30, 2021
https://twitter.com/zentrader1254/status/1432484559115931654?s=08
Trying your best to make it seem like lakers aint favourites in the whole nba to win🤦🏾♂️
— 7am On Scarborough Town Center (@DeoEnnis) August 30, 2021
https://twitter.com/KingGhost26/status/1432636713214545920?s=08
— 🥷🏽 (@LBJcrib) August 30, 2021
READ MORE: Dwyane Wade?Once Called LeBron James Cheap and He Didn?t Deny It
Why do the Phoenix Suns deserve this spot?
Amongst the teams that finished with winning records in the regular season, the Phoenix Suns had the best record. Of course, the Lakers have made roster changes that make them look like the better team by a lot, but the Suns won’t have to face any chemistry issues. They only made minor changes to their star-studded roster, which seems good enough to put them on top.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But once the new Lakers teammates adjust to one another, they could be unstoppable. And if the pieces fit right, these power rankings don’t stand a chance against their wrath.

USA Today via Reuters
Jun 1, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts as he walks between celebrating Phoenix Suns players in the first half during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
Whether the Suns made the mistake of not making bigger and better moves when they had the chance is something their journey will answer for us. But this team was excellent on both ends of the court against the most elite teams last season. So, they should definitely not be ruled out as title contenders.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY:? Selfie Contest With Lionel Messi for Turkish Airlines, Enjoying a Big Mac in Lakers Jersey and Other Jaw-Dropping Commercials Featuring Kobe Bryant?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT