The latest NBA power rankings are out at SB Nation, and after their 4-0 week, the Los Angeles Lakers...fell two spots. What? In last week's rankings, the Lakers lost their final two games of the week, yet remained atop the Western Conference, but this week a perfect week (with an average margin of victory of 17 points) wasn't enough to keep the Lakers from dropping. Maybe Pau Gasol should make 11 out of 10 shots in a game this week, since 10 of 10 just won't do.
↵Keep in mind, the rankings do not include games from Monday night, so the New Orleans Hornets, the top team in the Western Conference, aren't yet penalized for their loss at Staples Center last night to the Clippers. The Spurs, also at 11-1 through Sunday, are ranked second. It's hard to argue that the two 11-1 teams are ranked ahead of the 12-2 Lakers, when in reality there isn't much difference between the three teams. Plus, it's hard not to smile when this rationale is used for the Lakers' drop:
↵↵↵The Lakers likely were punished by voters for having a cupcake schedule but more likely they are feeling what the loss of Theo Ratliff can mean to their power rankings love. JAKE VOSKUHL, WHERE ARE YOU!!!!
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Now that's funny. The Clippers, meanwhile, remained at the bottom of the Western Conference, ranked 15th of 15 teams. The Orlando Magic took over the top spot in the Eastern Conference from the Boston Celtics, as the Lakers' last two Finals victims fight it out.
↵For more great Lakers coverage, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.