But do you really think they're the only team in the Western Conference with problems?

Sure, the Mavericks have issues, as their recent descent to No. 9 shows. But it's not like the teams ahead of them in the standings are immune from criticism. And it's not like they've removed themselves from the conversation.

The eight teams chasing the LA Lakers in the conference are all bunched within four-and-a-half games of each other. A bad week will send any of those teams down the ladder.

Let's remove the Lakers and San Antonio from this discussion. Now that Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are healthy for the Spurs, these teams are on a separate plateau from the rest of the conference.

Every coach in the conference talks about the Lakers and Spurs differently.

"I think we're behind the Lakers and San Antonio," Hornets coach Byron Scott said. "From third to nine is a crapshoot."

Let the shooting begin.

Denver Nuggets: Yes, I know they entered the weekend ahead of San Antonio in the standings. But do you really believe they're better right now than the every-other-year champions?

This Nuggets team is better than past versions. Chauncey Billups has seen to that. And they have gone 3-1 during Carmelo Anthony's absence. But has their defense improved to the stage it needs to beat the Lakers and Spurs in a playoff series? The verdict is still out.

New Orleans Hornets: This is a young team on the rise. But...

"It seems to be one of those lines that is not very straight," Scott said. "For whatever reason, you get that fat lady syndrome, where you get all happy and satisfied with last year and you're still living on your laurels.

Take the last week. The Hornets lost at home to New York, came back with a nice win over the Mavericks then lost to Cleveland by 14 points. It's been that way all season for New Orleans.

Portland Trail Blazers: This is another young, athletic bunch that can make teams look bad. But look at some of their recent losses: New Orleans by 15 points, Lakers by 14 points, Philadelphia by 21 points.

Yes, Philadelphia.

Brandon Roy is one of the league's best shooting guards. But if he misses a significant portion of time with injuries -- as he has the last two seasons -- this team has trouble scoring.

Houston Rockets: Yao Ming has had a strong season, but Tracy McGrady is a shell of his All-Star self. McGrady, Ron Artest and Shane Battier have missed 43 games combined.

How high will that total climb to by the end of the regular season?

Utah Jazz: The assumption is this team will be fine once Carlos Boozer returns.

I'm not so sure. The Jazz is an average defensive team, and one that takes on a losing identity on the road. Their 12 losses are more than any of the top teams in the West. Utah just lost on the road to Oklahoma City by 21 points. Boozer's return won't wipe this slate clean.

Phoenix Suns: This team beats the Mavericks by 28 points and looks really good. It then comes back in the same week to lose to Denver and Minnesota. Now, a 10-day, six-game road trip East looms.

See, the Mavericks aren't the only team with problems.

COURT OF OPINION

This week offered charges of gun play and a team taking a big financial hit. In other words, it was no different from just about any other week in the association.

Darius Miles: Moving up

The Memphis forward had 10 points, seven rebounds and an $18 million cap hit with his appearance Friday against Utah. The cap hit belongs to Portland, which tried to scare teams away.

Eddy Curry: Moving down

Former driver filed a lawsuit that alleges the New York center pointed a gun at him and made unwanted sexual advances. This is enough to persuade The Court to fire its driver.

Gregg Popovich: Moving laterally

San Antonio coach declares, "we're just not in the same league with the Lakers right now." Then, his team went out and beat the Lakers. Did anyone really buy that set up?

Jameer Nelson: Moving up

Orlando guard outdueled Kobe Bryant in the fourth quarter in LA for a win. He scored 10 of his team's final 12 points as the Magic swept the season series from the Lakers.

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