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The Los Angeles Clippers are currently the second best team in all the land, according to SB Nation's most recent NBA power rankings.
With a 7-2 record, the Clippers have jumped out to the best nine-game start in franchise history, earning tough wins over the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls last week. And if their defense continues to look as strong as it has (seventh in the NBA in points allowed), there's really no reason to discredit them as a Western Conference favorite.
As for the other team in Los Angeles (which is still a weird thing to get used to), the Lakers got back on track and evened up their record to 5-5, jumping eight spots to No. 8 in the power rankings. The Lakers went 2-1 this past week including a 119-108 win Sunday over the Rockets in which Kobe Bryant continued his career renaissance with a do-it-all line of 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in 35 minutes of play.
For the full power rankings, follow this link.