NBA Power Rankings Week 9: The slide of the Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center on February 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center on February 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Last Week: Beat/OT Indiana Pacers 120-112, 2/17 at Charlotte Hornets (POSTPONED), Beat Detroit Pistons 105-102, Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 112-105, Beat Sacramento Kings 122-114

This Week: 2/22 at Houston Rockets, 2/24 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 2/26 vs. Phoenix Suns

The Chicago Bulls welcomed back Wendell Carter Jr. this week. Welcoming back the young big man helped lead to a 3-1 week with the only loss coming to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Carter does so many things to make this team better. He is a defensive presence and pressures the glass while also adding another scoring threat (12.8 points per game this week, fourth on the team). Getting him back on the court is another step towards actually seeing what the young core of the Chicago Bulls can do together.

As always, the story of the week was Zach LaVine. The potential All-Star averaged 33.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals a night on insane shooting splits of .516/.419/.857. LaVine went shot for shot with Jerami Grant (37 points vs. 43 points) to help spur the 25-point comeback against the Detroit Pistons. He paced the Bulls (38 points) against the Sacramento Kings and earned them another win to end the week.

Finally, consider this the weekly shout-out to Patrick Williams. The rookie shows clear signs of progress every time he touches a court and the potential is readily apparent to anyone paying attention.