NBA Power Rankings: The West Gets Richer

<p>Lakers and the lottery are two words that don’t usually go together but this year they seem to destined to be with each other. They have Kobe Bryant who recently passed Michael Jordan to take over third place in all-time scoring.  Kobe just doesn’t have the resources or help to go after that coveted sixth championship. At 36 years of age Kobe can’t carry teams anymore.  He is averaging 24.6 ppg but him dominating the FGA and PPG is helping his team win ball games.</p> <p>They have high priced free agents Carlos Boozer and Jeremy Lin coming off the bench. Jeremy Lin is even hinting that he should have the Ball at the end of games. That basically tells the story of this team. Swaggy P has been Swaggy P so far for the Lakers averaging  14.9 ppg off the bench.</p> <p>They have a defensive rating of 113.6 which gives them dubious title of worst defensive team in the League. It’s sad to see the a great franchise like the Lakers in this position and who knows when they’ll improve. They didn’t taste victory last week and unfortunately for Kobe wins will be a rarity if their defence doesn’t improve.</p>. 8-19. . LosAngeles Lakers. 25. team. 20