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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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

. 12-18. Previous: 28th. Orlando Magic. 25. team. 38

Last Week: Lost to Phoenix Suns 109-90, Beat New York Knicks 107-89, Beat Golden State Warriors 124-120

This Week: 2/21 vs. Detroit Pistons, 2/23 vs. Detroit Pistons, 2/25 at Brooklyn Nets, 2/27 vs. Utah Jazz

The Orlando Magic actually won consecutive games this week and the basis for that has to be their potential All-Star Nikola Vucevic. While he has been surrounded by the walking wounded and G Leaguers, he has performed at such a level to keep them in games more often than not.

Against the New York Knicks, Vucevic welcomed back Evan Fournier, lightening the offensive workload. Still, the former All-Star still posted a line of 16 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and a steal. Fournier dropped 19 points in his return and no one could touch Terrence Ross, who had 30 off the bench.

Against the Golden State Warriors, it was all about Vucevic. He had 30 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, a steal and a block. He did a little bit of everything to put down a team that felt like it was getting rolling. Fournier (26) and Ross (24) chipped in admirably, leading to what may have been Orlando’s most impressive win of the season under the circumstances.

Orlando is still a long way from being back but a winning streak of any kind with the injuries to this roster is admirable. As the trade deadline approaches, the team could start to look drastically different. Until that time, enjoy the nightly experience of Vucevic.