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

Last Week: Beat New York Knicks 110-102, Lost to New York Knicks 107-103, Lost to Orlando Magic 123-119, Beat Orlando Magic 118-92

This Week: 2/8 vs. Washington Wizards, 2/10 vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 2.12 vs. LA Clippers

The Chicago Bulls split their games against two other teams in contention for the same play-in spot they are making a push for this season. Lauri Markkanen was a big part of that early in the week but then he joined Wendell Carter on the sideline. In the three games he did suit up for, he averaged 17.3 points and 4.7 rebounds a game.

Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams were the biggest stories of the week for the team otherwise. Williams scored in double digits every game this week, highlighted by him putting up a career-high 20 points against the Orlando Magic on Friday night. He also had seven rebounds in consecutive games and 10 rebounds to finish off the week.

LaVine has been on a complete heater and ended the week with an explosion against the Orlando Magic. He had 22 points in the first half and finished the game with 39 points, seven rebounds and four assists. He is playing at an All-Star level and is either helping to push this team forward or auditioning for his next landing spot.

The Bulls need to get healthy before there is ever a chance for them to be fully judged. The fact that they have been able to stay mostly even with Carter and Markkanen missing extended time is a promising start.