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NBA Power Rankings Week 16: Rise of the Phoenix Suns

By Corey Rausch

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Mikal Bridges #25 talk during the fourth quarter in a 113-103 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on April 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Mikal Bridges #25 talk during the fourth quarter in a 113-103 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on April 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. /
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Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images /

Los Angeles Lakers

Last Week: Lost to LA Clippers 104-86, Beat Toronto Raptors 110-101, Lost to Miami Heat 110-104, Beat Brooklyn Nets 126-101

This Week: 4/12 at New York Knicks, 4/13 at Charlotte Hornets, 4/15 vs. Boston Celtics, 4/17 vs. Utah Jazz

While the true x-factor for the Los Angeles Lakers remains the health of Anthony Davis and Lebron James, until they can get back on the court Andre Drummond is ready to feast on the opportunity presented to him. Even without the two All-Stars, the current Lakers roster is the most talented he has ever played with.

During his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, Drummond averaged 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. The start to his Lakers tenure has been haphazard given the injury to his toe but he is finally on a team that can accentuate his talents in the pick and roll. He is not a rim protector but he disrupts passing lanes and makes life hard on opponents. He will generate extra shots for the perimeter shooters like newly acquired Ben McLemore.

The Lakers remain impossible to assess due to the gaping holes in the lineup. With reports coming out this week that Davis is slated to be reevaluated this week ahead of a possible return to the court in the next 10 days, the review process will get much simpler. Moving Drummond from being the top option to third or fourth on a given night will be incredible.