NBA Power Rankings Week 7: The revenge of the Los Angeles Lakers

Last Week: Lost Sacramento Kings 118-109, Beat Phoenix Suns 123-101, Beat Indiana Pacers 114-113, Beat Memphis Grizzlies 118-109

This Week: 2/9 vs. Houston Rockets, 2/10 at Chicago Bulls, 2/12 at Dallas Mavericks

Perhaps the obituaries written for the New Orleans Pelicans were premature. Winners of three games in a row, all of a sudden the team from the Big Easy is only 1.5 games out of the playoff picture in the Western Conference.

Suddenly, the pieces are starting to fall in place for the young team. Over the last week, Brandon Ingram has led the way with 25.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. Zion Williamson is not far behind, averaging 23.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.0 blocks per game.

Even the role players are playing better. Lonzo Ball hit 55.6 percent of his 6.8 3-point attempts per game. Steven Adams averaged 9.0 rebounds per game. JJ Reddick found himself back in the lineup and hitting shots while awaiting a trade.

The fit problems persist and a trade is still likely imminent in some form or fashion, but this week was promising. There is a clear vision for how the team should work. When Williamson can play at this level of efficiency, the vision gets that much clearer. Against the Memphis Grizzlies, he had 29 points and only missed four shots. Against the Phoenix Suns, he had 28 points and only missed two. The hype is real.