NBA Power Rankings: Knicks, Rockets rise toward top as we hand out second-quarter grades https://t.co/nEcNG9JjNp
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) January 28, 2025
11. Los Angeles Lakers (26-18)
Last ranking: 12
In the last week: W vs. WAS, W vs. BOS, W at GS, W at CHA
Offensive rating: 113.4 (13th)
Defensive rating: 114.5 (22nd)
First quarter: C+
Second quarter: C
The Lakers offense remains inconsistent, but the defense went from one of the worst in the NBA in the first quarter of the season to a top-10 performance in the second quarter. All five of the Lakers’ 30-minute players average no more than two personal fouls per game, and only the San Antonio Spurs have allowed a lower free-throw-attempt rate over the last seven weeks. Anthony Davis has averaged more blocks (2.6) than fouls in that span.
Lakers have now won 4 straight and are now 26-18 with two winnable games vs. 76ers and Wizards in next three days that could put them at 28-18 with a 6-game winning streak when they head into New York to play the Knicks on Saturday.