NBA Power Rankings Week 17: A new number one and a lot of injuries

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 14: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on April 14, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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team. 20. . 35-22. Previous: 9th. Los Angeles Lakers. 8

Last Week: Lost to New York Knicks 111-96, Beat Charlotte Hornets 101-93, Lost to Boston Celtics 121-113, Beat/OT Utah Jazz 127-115

This Week: 4/19 vs. Utah Jazz, 4/22 at Dallas Mavericks, 4/24 at Dallas Mavericks

The injury issues for the Los Angeles Lakers have been well documented, as is expected for any team in Los Angeles. This week was a positive sign, as the depth that was signed in the offseason (and in the buyout market) to lighten the load for the two stars stepped up to carry them.

In the month of April, the Lakers have played nine games and only two have been at home. They are 5-4 this month, more impressive than that record would usually be considering a pair of those wins came against the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets.

The Lakers have remained a dominant defensive unit, a credit to the coaching of Frank Vogel getting the most out of everyone on his team. This past week, seven Lakers averaged double figures in scoring, led by Dennis Schroder at 18.3 points per game. Marc Gasol nearly averaged more points (10.3 per game) than minutes (13.5 per game).

The statement by Andre Drummond against the Jazz was even more promising. The former All-Star scored 27 points and is becoming increasingly more comfortable with his new teammates. Kyle Kuzma (who has been equally impressive of late) caught attention for his comments about the coaching that Drummond has experienced, but again, this is more telling about the difference that Vogel is making in his second season. When LeBron James and Anthony Davis return to the court, the rest of the league will be on notice.