NBA Power Rankings: All-Star shots, passes, dunks, and games

Isaiah Thomas got to check out early in the Lakers 139-117 loss on Valentines Day to the Pelicans, getting tossed after engaging with Rajon Rondo in the first quarter. Rondo has been vocal in his criticism of Thomas’ tenure with the Celtics, and it is an opinion that Thomas obviously feels disrespected by. Luke Walton was tossed in the second quarter, but at least he didn’t have to see his team give up 79 points in the first quarter from the sideline. This is a season-high for points scored by a Lakers’ opponent this season, and the team has to be hoping for better nights in the second half of the season. The Lakers followed up that embarrassing loss to the Pelicans with a back-to-back on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a game they’d lose 119-111. The Lakers played well for three quarters, but wilted in the final quarter as Jimmy Butler muscled his way through their defense to lead the comeback. Ivica Zubac had a nice night, but it would have been nicer if he and his teammates played defense for 48 minutes.