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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Last Week: Lost to Portland Trail Blazers 121-118, 2/17 vs. Detroit Pistons (POSTPONED), 2/19 at Houston Rockets (POSTPONED)

This Week: 2/22 vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 2/23 vs. Boston Celtics, 2/25 at Philadelphia 76ers, 2/27 at Brooklyn Nets

Prior to the loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Dallas Mavericks were really starting to roll. Criticizing them for the loss to the Blazers also feels misguided because the game was an absolute duel against one of the hottest offensive teams in the league led by a player playing like the MVP of clutch time.

Luka Doncic certainly did his part to outgun his All-Star brethren. The third-year guard erupted for 44 points, nine assists and seven rebounds and actually outdid his rival, only to be outdone by more of a team effort from the Blazers.

No other Maverick was able to top 20 points, with Kristaps Porzingis (18 points along with eight rebounds and two blocks) being the closest. Further complicating matters, no teammate had more than three assists besides Doncic. Until the roster is better constructed, it seems that most nights will turn into the young MVP candidate trying to outgun the competition by himself.

It is tough to say when the Dallas Mavericks will take the court next. Much of Texas is still dealing with a state of emergency. Until that is rectified, it is tough to imagine the Mavericks hosting a game or being able to travel outside of the state. For the time being, they will just have to wait to show that they are back on track.