Mark Heisler’s NBA rankings

RANKINGS, COMMENTS THROUGH SATURDAY

POST-ANDREW WORLD

1. LAKERS (40-9)

Win in Boston without Bynum was like a Kobe shot: No way, no way, nice shot! (1)

2. BOSTON (42-10)

Bench looks better. Maybe they just need a new starter or two. (2)

3. CLEVELAND (39-9)

After Kobe gets 61, LeBron says he plays a team game, puts up 52. (3)

4. ORLANDO (37-12)

To see if Jameer whether Nelson deserved All-Star bid, watch what happens without him. (4)

WAIT ‘TILL SPRING/NEXT YEAR

5. SAN ANTONIO (33-15)

Next, walkers? Popovich breaks record for earliest start resting his team. (5)

6. DENVER (34-17)

Still just the Nuggets: After winning four in row, fall to Nets, 114-70. (6)

7. HOUSTON (31-20)

Anything’s possible now: Just went 3-1 with Big Three together in all four. (8)

8. PORTLAND (30-19)

Never mind: Oden, who averaged 14-11 for four games, at 4-3 in next four. (7)

9. NEW ORLEANS (29-16 18)

Two words for Hornets without CP3 Paul: expansion team. (9)

10. UTAH (29-22)

At last, the real Deron Williams, averages 32 and 8.3 assists over four. (11)

11. DALLAS (30-20)

Sign of life: On 5-1 run with Carlisle turning offense over to Kidd. (10)

12. PHILADELPHIA (25-24)

Bad news: Elton Brand lost for season. Worse news: It doesn’t matter. (15)

13. PHOENIX (27-21)

This year’s Memphis? Phones ring off the hook as teams vie to steal Stoudemire. (14)

14. ATLANTA (29-21)

That should do it: If Woodson’s in trouble, he also has nine of next 12 on the road. (13)

15. DETROIT (27-21)

Five-year sellout streak ends. Next: six-year streak making East finals. (16)

16. MIAMI (26-23)

Just went 1-4, looking ready to wheel and deal, starting with Marion. (12)

UP PERISCOPE

17. NEW JERSEY (24-27)

GM Vandeweghe says teams calling up. Sounds like Carter is available. (22)

18. NEW YORK (21-28)

If Wilt had played against them these Knicks, the scoring record would be 200. (17)

19. CHICAGO (22-29)

They’re not washouts? Thomas, Noah average a combined 24-16 over six. (23)

20. MILWAUKEE (24-29)

Wait till next year: They now have Redd, Bogut, Ridnour on sideline. (18)

21. MINNESOTA (17-32)

Love in bloom: Kevin’s averaging 12-10 since Jan. 1, shooting 54%. (20)

22. CHARLOTTE (19-30)

While they go 0-4 after beating Lakers, Wallace has to take the bus home. (21)

23. INDIANA (20-31)

Oops: All-Everything Granger says his sore knee is getting sorer. (19)

24. TORONTO (19-34)

Not everyone understands Amare’s deal but Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo does. (24)

NEED TO REBUILD FASTER

25. MEMPHIS (14-36)

Conley, whom they were ready to trade, averages totals 52 points, 28 assists over four. (27)

26. CLIPPERS (12-39)

Now for the mother of all comebacks: Just went 2-0 after losing 21 of 23. (30)

27. GOLDEN STATE (16-35)

Maggette, whom they tried to give away, at 20 a game, 51% since return. (25)

28. OKLAHOMA CITY (12-38)

If he’s not ready, look out when he is: Westbrook averages 19 in last eight. (26)

29. SACRAMENTO (11-40)

If Clippers start winning here and there, Kings become No. 1 bust. (28)

30. WASHINGTON (10-40)

Nick Young averages 26 for four games, 6.1 in next seven, 18 in last four. (29)