NBA Power Rankings: Bulls On Parade

20. Is it too soon to rename the Ewing Theory to the Mamba Theory? Ok, so maybe there’s a bigger history of the Knicks playing better without Patrick Ewing than there is for the Lakers playing better sans Kobe Bryant, but the Lakers’ track record over the last week is pretty damning. <p> </p> <p>They beat the Golden State Warriors — the team with the best record in the NBA — without Kobe. They got smashed by the red-hot Chicago Bulls on Christmas, but they only lost to the Dallas Mavericks by four without Kobe. In the Black Mamba’s return? A late collapse against the Phoenix Suns. Kobe’s place among the all-time greats is unquestionable, but it turns out a 36-year-old shooting 37 percent from the field isn’t good for the team…unless the goal is keeping that top-five protected draft pick.</p>. (9-22). Previous: . Los Angeles Lakers. 27. team