NBA power rankings: Lakers look dangerous as LeBrons title hopes heat up

1.Oklahoma City Thunder They’ve opened the season by making a statement with wins over the Spurs and Nuggets.

The 2025 champions are showing they’re serious about reaching the mountaintop again after getting eliminated by the Spurs in the 2026 Western Conference Finals. 2.Philadelphia 76ersLeBron James and company look like the real deal after beating the defending champion Knicks as well as the Celtics.

James, who’s turning 42 years old this season, could actually win his fifth championship if the 76ers keep this up. 3.New York KnicksTheir 0-2 start isn’t great.

But they’re the defending champions and deserve to be near the top of these rankings until proven otherwise. 4.San Antonio SpursThere will be some growing pains integrating a three-guard rotation.

But it won’t be long until they figure it out.Wemby carried this team to the Finals last year and he’s expected to carry them far again.5.

Houston RocketsThis team might’ve been slept on entering the season.Fred VanVleet is back and Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr.

are looking dangerous. The Rockets could be a dark horse in the West.6.

Los Angeles LakersThis team’s success is going to hinge on Walker Kessler.And Kessler is looking good. 7.

Minnesota TimberwolvesAnthony Edwards is so much fun.He opened this season with a 45-point performance against the Heat. When he and LaMelo Ball figure things out, the Timberwolves could make some real noise.

8.Toronto RaptorsScottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Kawhi Leonard and Immanuel Quickley can’t be slept on this season.

The Raptors’ starters combined for 92 points to beat the Bulls by 43 points in their opening game. 9.Detroit PIstonsThey’re looking good but were dealt a blow when Jalen Duren suffered a right hamstring strain.

He’s going to be reevaluated in two weeks, which means the team is going to face a very tough stretch without him, including playing the 76ers twice and the Knicks.10.Boston Cel...