NBA Power Rankings week 16: OKC Thunder and teams post deadline
team. 20. . 39-12. Previous: 2nd. Los Angeles Lakers. 2
Los Angeles Lakers:
Offense: (113.2) 4th
Defense: (106.3) 5th
Net: (plus +7.0) 3rd
Results Week 16: (2-1) Won vs. Spurs: 129-102, Warriors: 125-120, Lost vs. Rockets: 111-121
Games Week 17: (2 games) Mon vs Suns | Weds at Nuggets
The oddity occurring this week was how easily the Rockets took out the Lakers. Entering the match everyone presumed the length of the Lakers would stifle the Rockets. Instead, the athleticism and speed of Houston pinpointed issues on the Lakers. No doubt other clubs will look to expose the Lakers, in the same way, to determine if this was simply a game where the Lakers underestimated their opponent or if it truly is a weakness to exploit.
The ongoing issues of what to do when LeBron sits continues to be another issue to resolve especially now that Darren Collison has elected to remain retired.
There are those who believe Rajon Rondo can simply flip a switch when the postseason arrives – but you can bet the Lakers brain trust won’t be willing to chance that alone and will be scouring the buyout market to add another playmaking guard.