The Los Angeles Lakers have dropped their last two games, and as a result failed to reclaim the top spot in the latest NBA power rankings at SB Nation. The Lakers, who dropped two spots after a 4-0 week last week, actually moved up one spot in this week's rankings. The 13-4 Lakers are ranked second in the Western Conference, behind only the 14-2 San Antonio Spurs.
↵The Lakers began Thanksgiving week with a win over the Chicago Bulls at home, but then lost on Friday in Utah after blowing a 19-point first half lead against the Jazz. Then, Sunday night at Staples Center, the Pacers led by as many as 15 points in the second half and the Lakers comeback effort fell just short, as Indiana came away with a 95-92 win over the Lakers. This week, the Lakers have a recipe for a 3-0 week, with trips to Memphis (7-10) and Houston (5-12), followed by home date with Sacramento (4-11).
↵The Clippers got their first back-to-back wins of the season, but it wasn't enough to move them out of the bottom spot in the conference. At 3-15, the Clippers have a tough week ahead, with games against the Spurs, Nuggets, and Trail Blazers. The Clippers and Lakers play each other next Wednesday, December 8, for the first time this season.
↵For more local NBA news, be sure to read the SB Nation blogs for the Lakers (Silver Screen and Roll) and Clippers (Clips Nation).