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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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

18-11. Previous: 10th. Portland Trail Blazers. 7. team. 34.

Last Week: Beat Dallas Mavericks 121-118, Beat Oklahoma City Thunder 115-104, Beat New Orleans Pelicans 126-124, Lost to Washington Wizards 118-111

This Week: 2/22 at Phoenix Suns, 2/23 at Denver Nuggets, 2/26 at Los Angeles Lakers

After winning six in a row, a drop-off was inevitable for Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers. Rather than focusing on the loss that had to come at some point, fans of the Blazers are undoubtedly celebrating the positives that came during the winning streak.

Over the course of this week, seven players averaged double figures in scoring. This would be impressive on any team, let alone a team missing three of its top-six options on offense. Obviously, Damian Lillard led the way, averaged 35.8 points, 12.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals and countless soul-crushing moments per game. Seeing himself not being named an All-Star starter is unlikely to dull the heater he is on.

Beyond Lillard, there were some nice moments for the rest of the roster. Robert Covington is rounding into form as the player this team acquired in the offseason to shore up some of their defensive weaknesses. Gary Trent Jr. is overflowing with confidence as the second option on the team at present. Enes Kanter grabbed 21 boards against his former team from Oklahoma.

Portland faces a tough week ahead, with road games against the Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers. With such a slate ahead, the shorthanded Blazers may be in desperate need of some regular Dame Time.