With the Finals in our collective rear view mirror (maybe not THAT far in our collective rear view mirror but nonetheless in it), ESPN has it's first edition of the 2024-25, admittedly way too early Power Rankings. Of course, the idea of ranking teams now, when so much is going to change and we are almost literally as far as we'll be bfeore anyone plays ball again, might seem silly. And it is, if you allow yourself to get wrapped up in the rankings aspect of it. It doesn't matter if your team is 1, 2 or 3. Or 7, 8 or 9. What's important is where you stand relative to other contenders, and for the Lakers they're a step behind. Right now that's perception, but it's perception based on tangible stuff. It should help crystallize how far the Lakers are from winning another title. Because the Lakers, even if you think 15 is too low - this is where ESPN put them in their rankings - is still a decent leap behind teams like Denver, Dallas, Minnesota and Oklahoma City. What about Memphis? Sacramento? Those teams were both ranked behind LA. And as long as we're arguing about team placements, what about player placements? Where do Lakers like Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell fit into the NBA ecosystem? Top 125? 100? 75? These are critical considerations, because were the team to lose any of the assets they currently have (i.e. Russell signing somwhere else with nothing coming back) they'd be hard pressed to find free agents who would be an upgrade. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: 15 with a bullet! SEGMENT 2: What a June Power Ranking reveals. SEGMENT 3: What about player tiers? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! LinkedInLinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply. BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. PrizePicksGo to https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100! GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Make Every Moment More. Right now, NEW customers get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET. That’s TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET!! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)