The Lakers' first three-game losing streak since acquiring Pau Gasol has surprisingly opened up the race for top seed in the West. Their latest setback came on Sunday in Orlando against the Magic.
With Matt Barnes playing stifling defense on Kobe Bryant, limiting the Black Mamba to 12 of 30 shooting, Orlando held on for a 96-94 win. Vince Carter led the way for the Magic with 25 points.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks are closing in fast with an outstanding 11-game winning streak. Armed with Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood, the Mavs are suddenly a legitimate threat to the Lakers.
And the Denver Nuggets are in the running too. Three home wins - over Oklahoma City, Indiana and Portland - have kept the Nuggets close behind the top two. They might have the toughest stretch ahead of any team in the league but you can never count out a team blessed with talents like Carmelo Anthony and JR Smith and led by the ageless Chauncey Billups.
There is certainly plenty still to play for out West.
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