San Antonio moves to the top of The Times' NBA rankings
Andrew Bynum's return helps Lakers jump six spots to No. 4.
By Mark Heisler
Los Angeles Times
RANKINGS, COMMENTS THROUGH SATURDAY
1. SAN ANTONIO (23-3) If Lakers think they're the same creaky Spurs, think again. (2)
2. BOSTON (21-4) Rondo hurt again; starting to look like Kobe last season. (1)
3. MIAMI (21-8) Celtics escape Knicks. Heat, now on 12-0 run, toy with them. (4)
4. LAKERS (20-7) Bynum's mere return means Gasol's minutes drop, scoring goes up. (10)
5. DALLAS (21-5) Lakers had enough trouble in West draw when they were best by far. (3)
6. OKLAHOMA CITY (19-8) Durant at 41% on Dec. 1, at 50% since and Thunder has won 14 of 18. (5)
7. UTAH (19-9) Okur back but Jazz needs a big who blocks shots, not makes threes. (7)
8. DENVER (16-10) Trying to win Anthony back, last thing they need is Knicks rise. (9)
9. NEW ORLEANS (16-10) Lost nine of 13 before coming from 23 down to win in Sacramento. (11)
10. ORLANDO (16-10) It won't be the same without Vince and Rashard, hopefully. (6)