NBA Tank Rankings: An ugly skid for Minnesota

4. team. 20. <p>After a victory over lowly Phoenix to begin the week, the Lakers actually held a three-game <em>winning</em> streak. That, of course, felt shocking to most, but considering that two of the wins came over the Suns and Sixers, it was probably a lot of smoke and mirrors. Since then, reality has set in with three straight losses, and while the Lakers were highly competitive against Oklahoma City on Friday night, it remains a negative in the standings.</p> <p>The Lakers continue to hold down the basement of the Western Conference at 8-30, and not even their (very) improved play from the last few weeks can change that. This isn’t a regurgitation of the standings, and that is why Los Angeles isn’t second in this space, but until the Lakers emerge fully from that spot, it is tough for them to ascend here.</p>. (8-30). Previous: . Los Angeles Lakers

3. team. 86. <p>A few weeks ago, there was real buzz that the T-Wolves could make a playoff run given the fact that the West isn’t quite as deep as in recent years. Now, they are just trying to avoid abject disaster.</p> <p>Minnesota has lost five consecutive games to fall into a three-way for 12th in the West, and after some translation, that means the only the Lakers sport a worse record in the conference. That five-game losing streak has been brutal for Sam Mitchell and his club on both ends of the court, as putrid offense (94.2 points per 100) and ugly defense (110.4 points allowed per 100) team up to make negative marks on the scoreboard.</p> <p>On the bright side, Wolves fans, you still have Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins for the long haul.</p>. (12-25). Previous: . Minnesota Timberwolves