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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(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Clippers. 3. team. 77. . 22-9. Previous: 3rd

Last Week: Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 128-111, Beat Miami Heat 125-118, Lost to Utah Jazz 114-96, Beat Utah Jazz 116-112

This Week: 2/21 vs. Brooklyn Nets, 2/23 vs. Washington Wizards, 2/25 at Memphis Grizzlies, 2/26 at Memphis Grizzlies

Doubts are able to be easily shaken aside when a team without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George is able to win two of three games before welcoming them back to knock off the hottest team in the NBA. As has been made clear so far, beating the Utah Jazz is no small feat. That is the signature win for the LA Clippers so far this season.

This is the only game of the week to feature the top two stars for the Clippers and they were impressive. Leonard posted a line of 29 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block and led the team to victory over their Western Conference rival. George did his part, contributing 15 points, six rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block.

The Clippers needed a week like this for the ancillary players to get on the same page. There is no doubt about the talent of the Clippers. The chemistry has been the biggest issue and so far things look better in that regard as well. The only current red flag comes in terms of Luke Kennard’s knees.

Kennard missed a large chunk of last season for the Pistons due to knee tendinitis so the fact that he is missing games this season for knee soreness is bothersome. Kennard got his contract extension in the offseason and when healthy is an essential part of the Clippers lineup. Fingers crossed that this is not an issue that lingers.