Carrying the load in Chicago has been two-time All-Star Zach LaVine, who has turned it up a notch recently. After playing just 25 games last season and being counted out by many franchises during offseason trade talks, LaVine has taken his game to the next level.

The Brooklyn Nets, who are in the midst of a rebuilding process, made trades in December with the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers -- two teams led by future Hall of Famers hoping to make one last run at the NBA Finals.

The chances of the Lakers making the type of big trade that would make them contenders or near-contenders any time soon may be slim.