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) /

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Previous: 13th. Charlotte Hornets. 14. team. 170. . 14-15

Last Week: Lost to San Antonio Spurs 122-110, 2/17 vs. Chicago Bulls (POSTPONED), 2/19 vs. Denver Nuggets (POSTPONED), Beat Golden State Warriors 102-100

This Week: 2/22 at Utah Jazz, 2/24 at Phoenix Suns, 2/26 at Golden State Warriors

It was only a matter of time before the Charlotte Hornets would be facing these issues. In their loss against the San Antonio Spurs, the Hornets were missing Gordon Hayward and the Martin twins. Losing anyone else would put them in a situation to miss games. Contact tracing following the game against the Spurs did just that.

The fact that the game against San Antonio was within 12 points is impressive unto itself. Hayward, Cody Martin and Caleb Martin and PJ Washington being out of the lineup is too much for a team like Charlotte to overcome against a playoff level group. Terry Rozier did his best (33 points) and led the four other double-digit scorers to at least a competent finish.

LaMelo Ball is running up the score on the rest of his fellow rookies in the race of Rookie for the Year, this time putting up a line of 17 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block. The Air BNB nickname is starting to catch on for the pairing of Ball and Miles Bridges and it is a good one.

Against the Golden State Warriors (albeit without Stephen Curry) Rozier continued his hot streak by dropping 36 points. Ball struggled but this time PJ Washington and Gordon Hayward were around to do enough to get the win. Next week should be better as the team gets healthier.