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)
3 of 31
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Last Week: Lost to LA Clippers 128-111, Lost to Golden State Warriors 129-98, 2/17 vs. San Antonio Spurs (POSTPONED), Lost to Denver Nuggets 120-103

This Week: 2/21 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 2/23 vs. Atlanta Hawks, 2/24 vs. Houston Rockets, 2/27 at Philadelphia 76ers

Well, the future will be coming to the Cleveland Cavaliers sooner than expected. In controversial fashion, the Cavs have decided to sit down Andre Drummond until they are able to find the path to a parting of the ways. Draymond Green got a conversation started around this choice and many of his points make plenty of sense.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were praised early in the season for the steps forward they had taken as a defensive unit and exalted in the play of Collin Sexton leading to some impressive victories. Unfortunately, the wheels have completely fallen off. The Cavs have lost nine games in a row and are suddenly 1.5 games out of last place in the Eastern Conference.

Over the week, four players for the Cavaliers averaged double figures in scoring and Jarrett Allen is notably becoming increasingly comfortable as he has transitioned into the starting lineup. He belongs there for the foreseeable future. This was just not the path to get there.

As Green said, eventually it becomes more about the organization than which player is not working out there. The Koby Altman era has been full of losses and high-profile names being increasingly unhappy. Drummond has become the newest punchline. Until something changes in Cleveland, he will almost certainly not be the last.