NBA Power Rankings: Los Angeles Lakers 2011 and the Best Second-Half Runs

The 2011 Lakers are out and running in the second half of the season, as the team prepares for the postseason.

After looking like a team that had serious question marks, the Lakers have silenced their critics and played their way to the top of power rankings everywhere.

Let's take a look at some other historical squads that may have served them as inspiration.

10. 1997-1998 Chicago Bulls

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

12 Jun 1998: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls holds up the MVP trophy before the Eastern Conference game against the Indiana Pacers at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Pacers 104-98. . Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dani

The Bulls used an incredible second half of the season as momentum into the postseason.

They barely outlasted the Pacers (4-3) in the conference finals, but ultimately defeated the Jazz in six to take home the crown. 

Record after break: 20-5

Overall record: 62-20

Result: NBA champions

9. 1986-1987 Los Angeles Lakers

Mike Powell/Getty Images

Dec 1987: Michael Cooper of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during a game. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell /Allsport Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell /Allsport

After losing 10 games in the first half of the season, the Lakers lost just five after the break during this season.

You certainly don't see those type of short shorts in today's NBA.

Record after break: 30-5

Overall record: 67-15

Result: NBA champions

8. 1997-1998 Utah Jazz

Elsa/Getty Images

1 Feb 1999: Shandon Anderson #40 of the Utah Jazz guards during the game against the Denver Nuggets at the McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Jazz 111-116 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Elsa Hasch /Allsport

Yep, that sure is Shandon Anderson pictured above.

After looking like the team to beat throughout the Western Conference playoffs, the Jazz couldn't handle MJ's Bulls, but really, nobody could. 

Record after break: 31-5

Overall record: 62-20

Result: Western Conference champions

7. 2004-2005 Denver Nuggets

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

DENVER - FEBRUARY 19: Voshon Leonard #1 of the Denver Nuggets puts up a shot in the Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout, part of 2005 NBA All-Star Weekend at Pepsi Center on February 19, 2005 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a

The Nuggets finished the second half of the campaign with just four losses in their final 29 games.

Unfortunately, the team couldn't carry that swagger into the playoffs and lost in the first round to the Spurs.

Record after break: 31-4

Overall record: 49-33

Result: Lost in first round to San Antonio Spurs

6. 2010-2011 Los Angeles Lakers

Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 06: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Lamar Odom #7 and Andrew Bynum #17 against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 6, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: U

The Lakers are absolutely rolling since the All-Star break and have once again become the popular pick to take home their third straight title.

There are some legitimate contenders this season, but as long as big men Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol stay healthy, it's hard to view it any differently.

Record after break: 17-3

Overall record: 55-22

Result: TBD

5. 1994-1995 San Antonio Spurs

Harry How/Getty Images

24 Mar 1997: Guard Vinny Del Negro of the San Antonio Spurs moves the ball during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Los Angeles Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers won the game, 106-91. Mandatory Credit: Harry How /Allspo

Recognize that man? That's current Los Angeles Clippers head coach Vinny Del Negro.

Things went better for his Spurs than they have thus far in his professional coaching career, but at least he has one of the game's most exciting players in Blake Griffin.

Record after break: 32-5

Overall record: 62-20

Result: Lost Western Conference Finals to Houston Rockets

4. 1984-1985 Los Angeles Lakers

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - 1987: Kurt Rambis #31 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a free throw during an NBA game at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, California in 1987. (Photo by: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

I guess it's a good idea that Kurt Rambis decided to ditch the glasses.

Kareem and Magic led the way as the Lakers went on to defeat the Boston Celtics in the NBA championship of the 1984-85 campaign.

Record after break: 27-4

Overall record: 62-20

Result: NBA champions

3. 1999-2000 Los Angeles Lakers

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

13 Jun 2001: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers receives a hug from teammate Ron Harper #4 after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 100-86 in game four of the NBA Finals at the First Union Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. DIGITAL IMAGE. Manda

Kobe's afro was at its peak and all was righted in Laker land during this season.

With gems like John Salley, Brian Shaw and Sam Jacobson on the roster, this team was an absolute force.

Record after break: 30-4

Overall record: 67-15

Result: NBA champions

2. 1996-1997 Utah Jazz

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

DENVER - JANUARY 9: Chris Andersen #12 of the Denver Nuggets looks to pass as he is guarded by Greg Ostertag #00 of the Utah Jazz during the game on January 9, 2004 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets won 106-96. NOTE TO USER: User exp

Greg Ostertag was manning the middle for the Jazz, and the team was a force to be reckoned with.

Howard Eisley was just a fresh face out of Boston College and Utah was still a relatively young team, outside of the Stockton and Malone core. 

Record after break: 31-4

Overall record: 64-18

Result: Lost NBA Finals to Chicago Bulls

1. 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

19 Feb 1999: Toni Kukoc #7 of the Chicago Bulls looking on during the game against the Washington Wizards at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. The Wizards defeated the Bull 93-91. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport

Toni Kukoc, Steve Kerr and Luc Longley—this Bulls team was filled with hilariously awesome white ballers.

This was the record-setting team, so it only seems appropriate that they check in at No. 1 on the countdown.

Record after break: 30-5

Overall record: 72-10

Result: NBA champions