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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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

team. 20. . 22-9. Previous: 22nd. Los Angeles Lakers. 6

Last Week: Lost to Denver Nuggets 122-107, Beat Minnesota Timberwolves 112-104, Lost to Brooklyn Nets 109-98, Lost to Miami Heat 96-94

This Week: 2/22 vs. Washington Wizards, 2/24 at Utah Jazz, 2/26 vs. Portland Trail Blazers

This is as low as the Los Angeles Lakers are likely to ever be on this list. In fact, it feels strange even having them this low. If and when they are healthy it is tough to imagine a situation where they are not the team taking home the Larry O’Brien trophy at the end of the season. For now, however, health is the biggest problem they are facing.

Anthony Davis left the game early in a demoralizing loss to the Denver Nuggets with Achilles soreness and is now out until after the All-Star break at least. Dennis Schroeder also missed games against the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat, further limiting the offensive output of the reigning champions. In the NBA Finals rematch, even LeBron James struggled, managing only a line of 19 points, nine rebounds and nine assists while shooting 7-of-21 from the floor.

The Lakers are still a dominant defensive unit and continue to look to bolster their roster. There have been reports that they have inquired about PJ Tucker and could consider a number of buyout options should they arise, including the likes of Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond and DeMarcus Cousins. Everything about this is moot once Davis returns to the court. But for now, they are not the same Lakers.