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

Last Week: Lost/OT to Charlotte Hornets 129-121, Lost Washington Wizards 103-100, Beat Washington Wizards 122-95

This Week: 2/7 at New York Knicks, 2/9 vs. New York Knicks, 2/11 at Houston Rockets, 2/13 at Utah Jazz

Ending the week with a much-needed win is the only thing keeping the Miami Heat out of the ranks of the bottom dwellers. The Heat have most of their team intact at this point but still dropped games to the Charlotte Hornets and the Washington Wizards.

Avery Bradley was the only casualty of injury this week and it ultimately may have been a blessing in disguise. As critical as some have been about the play of Kendrick Nunn, he has brought a much-needed scoring punch off the bench for the Heat and could find himself earning a more permanent role in the rotation if he continues to perform in Bradley’s absence.

Goran Dragic and Jimmy Butler still look slightly off, which is to be expected given the quick turnaround from the NBA Finals and the health issues they have been dealing with so far. Unfortunately for the Heat, they are essential to any sort of success the team has.

As good as Bam Adebayo has been (20.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 blocks per game over the week) the team does not work without their veteran leaders. It goes beyond the talent. As the fans are all too happy to remind those on the outside, it is about the culture.