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

By Corey Rausch

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 Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

16-11. Previous: 12th. San Antonio Spurs. 12. team. 29.

Last Week: Beat Charlotte Hornets 122-110; 2/16 at Detroit Pistons (POSTPONED), 2/17 at Cleveland Cavaliers (POSTPONED), 2/20 at New York Knicks (POSTPONED)

This Week: 2/22 at Indiana Pacers (POSTPONED), 2/24 at Oklahoma City Thunder, 2/27 vs. new Orleans Pelicans

If you are only going to play one game in a week, a solid victory over an up-and-coming team like the Charlotte Hornets is not such a bad look. When the young pieces are clicking the San Antonio Spurs are a tough team to knock off.

Dejounte Murray has been on a tear and this game was no different. He had 26 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and two steals. He is officially turning into the player that got the contract extension a few years ago now that injuries have abated for the time being. Pairing him with any of the collection of young players on this roster is a recipe for success.

Derrick White was not far behind, hanging 25 points on the Hornets and stealing the ball four times. This is the ideal pairing in the backcourt for the Spurs’ future. When it is clicking, it is beautiful basketball. Keldon Johnson added another 18 points and the final point of note is the new role DeMar DeRozan has found himself in on occasion.

DeRozan is averaging a career-high 6.9 assists per game and had eights against the Hornets. As he has cemented himself as the elder statesman on the Spurs he is able to thrive on nights when someone else has the hot hand by feeding them in the best places for them to succeed.