Hoops Habit
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NBA Power Rankings: HoopsHabit Holiday Edition

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 23, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 23, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) reacts after guard Ronnie Price (9) scores a three point basket against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 23, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) reacts after guard Ronnie Price (9) scores a three point basket against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

26. Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 9-19

Last Week: 1-2

Previous Rank: No. 22

The Los Angeles Lakers completed back-to-back championship runs just four full seasons ago. In the fifth season since, the Lakers are far below .500 and are expected to contend for the top pick before they will a title.

Not even Kobe Bryant can save this team.

The Lakers haven’t missed the playoffs with Bryant active for more than six games since 2004-05. After many fans suggested that he was the missing link in 2013-14, there’s nothing but question marks in 2014-15.

At 9-19, Los Angeles can blame just one thing for its struggles: defense.

The Lakers rank dead last in both scoring defense and defensive efficiency. Bryant’s in the discussion for the scoring title, but even he’s struggling to score in any way that begins to reflect efficiency.

The fans will remain loyal, but this is a brutal season for a storied organization.

Of course, its most recent win was over the Golden State Warriors without Bryant in the lineup.

Next: Untapped Potential