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Los Angeles Lakers do not move in ESPN NBA Power Rankings

By Kenneth Teape

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 20: Lonzo Ball #2 (C) of the Los Angeles Lakers is oncgratulated by teammates during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 20, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 132-130. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 20: Lonzo Ball #2 (C) of the Los Angeles Lakers is oncgratulated by teammates during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 20, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 132-130. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Where do the Los Angeles Lakers rank in this week’s ESPN NBA Power Rankings?

The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off the 2017-18 season last week. Things went about how you would expect them to go with a roster as young and inexperienced as the one the Lakers have.

There was a lot of inconsistency with the Lakers. In the season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Lakers were blown out. The Clippers dominated from the opening tip, winning 108-92.

In the second game of the season, the Lakers looked like a totally different team. After struggling to score against the Clippers, the Lakers scored with ease against the Phoenix Suns. In their first road game of the season, the Lakers came away victorious, winning 132-130.

In the third game of the season, the Lakers were Jeykll and Hyde in each half. The New Orleans Pelicans visited the STAPLES Center and ran the Lakers off the court in the first half. The struggles continued throughout the third quarter, until the final two minutes when the Lakers finally mounted a comeback.

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The Lakers faced a deficit as large as 22 points but climbed all the way back with an extended run from the end of the third quarter into the fourth quarter. They were able to actually take the lead, but the Pelicans finished the game on a 13-2 run to win the game.

It was encouraging to see the young Lakers not give up. They looked a little defeated in the first half because of the score, but they kept playing hard and it paid off. However, it is clear there will be growing pains this season.

Lonzo Ball went from three points in the season opener to 29 against the Suns in a near triple-double performance. That type of up and down will be expected from a rookie. Brandon Ingram‘s shot and offense is still a work in progress.

The biggest issue facing the Lakers is their lack of an inside presence. Brook Lopez and Andrew Bogut can hold their own, but they have been eaten alive on the interior. Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins have all had field days so far against the Lakers.

The defense was a problem for the Lakers last season, and through three games they have had their struggles on that end of the court once again. It is something they will hope to improve, but until they do, they will find themselves near the bottom of the NBA Power Rankings.

Coming into the season, the Lakers were in the bottom third of ESPN’s NBA Power Rankings. After the first week of the season, they remain in the bottom third as they didn’t move up or down the power rankings.

In the Week 2 ESPN NBA Power Rankings, the Lakers are once again ranked No. 22. Here is what they had to say about the Lakers ranking.

"One day you’re getting shut down by Patrick Beverley, and the next day you’re leapfrogging Magic Johnson on a list; Lonzo Ball’s first two games were night and day. After a 3-point debut, he was one assist shy of becoming the youngest player in NBA history with a triple-double in his second career game. He’ll have to settle for this: his 29 points were the most by a Laker in his first road game, passing Magic’s 26-point performance in 1979 (via Elias Sports Bureau). — Vincent Johnson"

That is probably how things will go his season for the Lakers. They will have some record-breaking, memorable performances followed up by underwhelming ones they will want to forget. It is all part of the process of a rebuilding team.

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They have to hope that those valleys are not as prevalent once the season really gets going and that they can play more consistently. Consistency is key, and it is something that will take a young squad some time to figure out.

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