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) /

17 of 31

(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

211. . 13-13. Previous: 21st. Memphis Grizzlies. 15. team

Last Week: Beat Sacramento Kings 124-110, Lost to New Orleans Pelicans 144-113, Beat Oklahoma City Thunder 122-113, Beat Detroit Pistons 109-95, Beat Phoenix Suns 128-97

This Week: 2/22 at Dallas Mavericks, 2/25 vs. LA Clippers, 2/26 vs. LA Clippers

In a 3-2 week, much of the focus on the Memphis Grizzlies will be shifted more towards the losses than the wins. Fans of the team may see this as unfair, but when the wins come against also-rans like the Sacramento Kings, Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons, they are easy enough to forget.

It also does not helps that the two losses came by 31 points each. In the games where the team wins, it is a balanced effort where the overall solid level of play is able to overcome a team. When that is not working, things get ugly quickly.

It is not all bad, however. Justice Winslow returned to the court for the first time in a Grizzlies uniform Saturday night. It will take time to see how well he fits with the rest of the young core. But still only 24 years old, the potential for success is tantalizing. Ja Morant had a very solid week, averaging 20.0 points, 7.8 assists and 5.4 rebounds a game but clearly still needs to work on his outside shot (6.3 percent on 3.2 attempts per game).

Memphis is fine and the bludgeonings they received should not outweigh the facts. The young team had a winning week, maintained a .500 record and is firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot while they are welcoming back some of their injured players.