NBA rankings and 24-second clock

NBA rankings

1. L.A. Lakers: Got rid of some deadwood — center Chris Mihm — at trading deadline.

2. Boston Celtics: Plan on erring on side of caution when it comes to K.G.'s injury.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Now is the time to put some pressure on Celts for best record in East.

4. San Antonio Spurs: Team will have to once again tread water with Manu out of lineup.

5. Denver Nuggets: Neck-and-neck with Spurs for 2nd in West — yet still easily overlooked.

6. Orlando Magic: Addition of Rafer Alston should help sting of losing Jameer Nelson for season.

7. Utah Jazz: The Jazz are barely a playoff team now — but they've beaten L.A. and Boston recently.

8. Portland Trail Blazers: Brandon Roy and Co. seem to come up big in close games.

9. New Orleans Hornets: Earned an impressive victory vs. Orlando this week.

10. Houston Rockets: With T-Mac out, was trading Alston throwing in the towel?

Game of the week

Suns at Lakers, Thursday

Fun Phoenix is back, as new coach Alvin Gentry has the Suns running and gunning again in an attempt to get back into the playoff picture — only now without injured Amare Stoudemire. The Lakers, meanwhile, can score too. First team to 140 wins? Find out on TNT Thursday.

Byron Scott attempted to put on a brave face when one of his key players was traded to cut payroll, just as Mike D'Antoni did two years ago.

That's what coaches know they're supposed to do, even when losing salary might cause them to lose games.

The New Orleans Hornets dealt center Tyson Chandler to Oklahoma City this week, a trade that was rescinded after Chandler failed his physical. Though Chandler's numbers are down during an injury-plagued season, the deal seemed financially motivated, since he's due to make $12.2 million next season and $13.2 million in 2010-11.

Scott tried to explain otherwise after the Hornets were to get Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox.