Purdue returns to No. 1 in AP poll; Bama No. 2

With free agency one week away, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be major players for the first time since the rebuilding process began in 2013. Unlike four years ago, however, the storied franchise has a legitimate chance of signing LeBron James. Although the Lakers are in a similar position with significant salary cap space, this time around they also have established a talented young core led by Julius Randle (restricted free agent), Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart. Since the conclusion of the 2017-18 NBA season, much of the discussion has been about Los Angeles landing two or three All-Star players. Although the San Antonio Spurs are reportedly reluctant to trade