done deal: The Los Angeles Lakers finally completed a blockbuster trade for Zion Williamson that shock the entire league.

In a season characterized by unexpected shifts, the Los Angeles Lakers (25-25) find themselves in an unfamiliar position, currently holding the 9th seed in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. Struggling to achieve the cohesion expected of a championship-caliber team, the Lakers face challenges that defy their traditional contender status. Simultaneously, the New Orleans Pelicans, led by the explosive talent of Zion Williamson, grapple with the paradox of possessing a rising star while contending with the limitations imposed by injuries and an unfulfilled potential.