NBA Power Rankings 18: A new top team as the playoffs approach

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35-25. Previous: 8th. Los Angeles Lakers. 11. team. 20.

Last Week: Lost to Utah Jazz 111-97, Lost to Dallas Mavericks 115-110, Lost to Dallas Mavericks 108-93

This Week: 4/26 at Orlando Magic, 4/28 at Washington Wizards, 4/30 vs. Sacramento Kings

The Los Angeles Lakers may have dropped every game they played this week but something more than a single win happened this week that matters on a higher level. Anthony Davis is back, albeit on a minute’s restriction for the time being. He had been out since Valentine’s Day and played both games against the Dallas Mavericks. He played just 45 minutes this week but it was good to see him back on the court nonetheless.

The Lakers depth is starting to develop chemistry and will do so further with their stars back. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has gotten back on track, averaging 22.0 points per game on shooting splits of .560/.579/1.00. Many imagined the need to rely on Dennis Schroeder and Montrezl Harrell when Davis and LeBron James were sidelined, and they have been solid. However, the emergence of Caldwell-Pope as the player that helped carry the team during stretches of the postseason last year will be essential for any dreams of repeating.

This should be the perfect get-right week for the Lakers and Davis specifically. They will be playing the Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings, which should provide an opportunity for Davis to get back in peak form.