Every Monday, the Lakers Basketblog checks the net to bring you the latest NBA power rankings.
NBA.com
This Week: 2 | Last Week: 1 | Diff: -1
Monday’s (bad) loss in Portland puts the Lakers and Cavs even in the standings. Cleveland plays seven of their next eight games at home and have 11 remaining at the Q, while the Lakers begin a seven-game trip on Saturday and have just seven games remaining at STAPLES. But Andrew Bynum says he’ll “definitely be back this season.”
ESPN.com
This Week: 1 | Last Week: 1 | Diff: N/A
They swept Houston and San Antonio back to back and see the West’s top two presumed challengers (Spurs and Jazz) on course to beat each other up in Round 1. I’d say the Lakers are over their Portland debacle.
SI.com
This Week: 2 | Last Week: 2 | Diff: N/A
Already running away with the West, their biggest issue these days is establishing a consistent rotation. Trevor Ariza replaced Luke Walton as the starting small forward last week, and the debate is already raging about whether injured center Andrew Bynum, who has begun running on a treadmill, should reclaim his starting spot when he returns or if Lamar Odom should remain in the first unit.
Average Ranking: This Week: 1.66 | Last Week: 1.33 | Diff: -.33
