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)
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(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Last Week: Lost to Washington Wizards 131-119, Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 118-113, 2/19 vs. Dallas Mavericks (POSTPONED), 2/20 vs. Indiana Pacers (POSTPONED)

This Week: 2/22 vs. Chicago Bulls, 2/24 at Cleveland Cavaliers, 2/26 at Toronto Raptors,

In the week that was for the Houston Rockets, there was plenty more negative than positive. There were two more losses, this time to the Washington Wizards and the Philadelphia 76ers. Then their week was shut down due to the catastrophic weather situation facing the state of Texas.

Victor Oladipo, PJ Tucker and Christian Wood missed both games this week. Eric Gordon missed the first game as well. John Wall was the major constant for the Rockets, specifically in his strong showing in his return to DC.

The news of the week came Saturday night when it was announced that the Rockets and DeMarcus Cousins were planning to part ways. Cousins has seemed to be a solid locker room veteran but that may be the only good thing to say about the former All-Star in his return from catastrophic injuries.

It makes sense for the organization given their plummet down the standings and the implosion of the roster. For Cousins, however, this may be the end of the road. He is shooting just 37.6 percent from the field and does not add shooting or defense. Perhaps he can catch on with a contender as a “break glass in case of an emergency” option but that is likely the best and only resolution. Do not expect that landing spot to be with the Brooklyn Nets after how openly critical Cousins was after the James Harden saga.