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NBA Power Rankings Week 6: Are the Los Angeles Lakers on top?

By Corey Rausch

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers disputes a personal foul called against him during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 30, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Lakers defeat the Celtics 96-95. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers disputes a personal foul called against him during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 30, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Lakers defeat the Celtics 96-95. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

12. team. 66. . 10-8. Previous: 12th. Phoenix Suns

Last Week: Lost to Oklahoma City Thunder 102-97, Beat Golden State Warriors 114-93, Beat Dallas Mavericks 111-105

This Week: 2/1 at Dallas Mavericks, 2/3 at New Orleans Pelicans, 2/5 vs. Detroit Pistons

Something is just off with the Phoenix Suns. Losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder dropped the team to an even record. While they have won two games since then, there is still an underlying feeling of unrest. For a team that once looked on pace to be elite, they are just playing okay at this point.

Admittedly, some of those issues are connected to the absence of Devin Booker, who missed all three games this week and four straight. However, having Abel Nader average the same number of points over the week as Deandre Ayton is troubling nonetheless. The offensive woes of the former number one overall pick are not going anywhere and the issue remains befuddling.

Ayton is the type of player who tends to thrive from playing with Chris Paul, feasting on lobs and dunking on even the most prepared defenders. Their relationship just has not clicked yet. Until it does, the Phoenix Suns will not be able to meet their offensive ceiling.

Along with Booker, Cameron Payne and Dario Saric were unable to take the court so the Phoenix Suns should be saved some judgment for the time being. If the issues continue when they have the full complement of talent back, then the questions become true concerns.