NBA Power Rankings: OKC Chasing History? (Week 5, 2025-26)

Joel Piton
2 days ago
21 min read

We’re only a month into the NBA season, but the league has wasted zero time reminding us how quickly narratives can flip. Supposed bottom-feeders are making noise. Dark-horse teams are looking like the real deal. And a handful of recent championship hopefuls are searching for answers as injuries and inconsistency drag them down. The season is just beginning, but the last four weeks have given us a clear picture still—so here’s how all 30 teams stack up right now.

Indiana Pacers (1-13)

It’s tough to be a Pacers fan right now. Losing Tyrese Haliburton for the season stripped Indiana of its engine, and the fallout has been brutal. At 1–13, no team in the league has more losses, and the offense has completely cratered without its All-NBA playmaker. Andrew Nembhard has struggled to stay on the court, leaving Pascal Siakam to shoulder virtually the entire scoring load on a roster that wasn’t built for him to be a solo act.

The numbers tell the story: the Pacers enter the week shooting just 40.1% from the field—not only dead last in the NBA, but the worst team field-goal percentage since the post-Jordan 1998–99 Bulls. That’s historically bleak territory. Indiana still plays hard and has enough talent to be more competitive than this, but until they can generate efficient offense, wins will be hard to come by.

Washington Wizards (1-12)

The Wizards have been rebuilding ever since Bradley Beal’s departure, and while the struggles continue, this year’s version actually feels more stable than last season’s. Adding veterans like Khris Middleton and CJ McCollum has at least given Washington a professional core backbone—something they sorely lacked. Still, this team’s present is all about the future. The Wizards are fully committed to developing No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr, a versatile French big man who has two-way potential. Sophomore wing Kyshawn George has been another bright spot, showing confidence and scoring in a larger role than expected.

But promise doesn’t equal wins. Washington remains overmatched against even middle of the pack teams, and meaningful competitiveness is still far off. For now, this is yet another rebounding year—and the losses reflect that.

Brooklyn Nets (2-11)

The Nets are embracing a full reset whether they meant to or not. Brooklyn drafted a record five rookies this year, four of which have stuck on the roster—a clear commitment to development, but one that comes with predictable growing pains. With so much youth comes inconsistency, and this team still lacks a true on-court leader to steady the ship. Michael Porter Jr. can score in bunches, but he’s not the franchise-defining player this roster desperately needs. At 2–11, the record speaks for itself. The future may hold promise, but the present is an uphill climb.

New Orleans Pelicans (2-12)

The Pelicans are still searching for their identity after a tumultuous offseason. Moving Brandon Ingram cost them their most reliable scorer, and the return looks even lighter in hindsight with neither Bruce Brown nor Kelly Olynyk staying on the roster. The backcourt situation isn’t helping either—Dejounte Murray’s timetable remains murky, robbing New Orleans of its floor general.

Zion Williamson has alternated between dominant stretches and availability concerns, and Jordan Poole has yet to settle comfortably into his new role, shooting just 35% from the field. Amid the instability, Trey Murphy III has emerged as a legitimate bright spot, averaging around 20 points and flashing long-term offensive potential for the ball club. But he can’t carry the load alone. The good news? It’s still early, and the Pelicans have enough talent to correct course. But right now, they’re firmly in the league’s bottom tier.

Sacramento Kings (3-11)

On paper, the Kings have no business being this low. Domantas Sabonis is stuffing the stat sheet with monstrous double-doubles on elite efficiency. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan give Sacramento two proven wing scorers who can create at all three levels. Malik Monk and Keon Ellis are coming into their own in the backcourt. This should be a team sitting comfortably in the middle of the West—if not higher.

So how are they 3–11? Defense…or the lack of it. Sacramento is overloaded with offensive firepower but almost entirely devoid of rim protection—Sabonis averaging 0.2 blocks per game as the starting center tells the whole story. Add in a 37-year-old Russell Westbrook, whose arrival added energy but not much additional competitiveness, and the team simply hasn’t clicked. The Kings can score on anyone, but until they find a defensive backbone, they’ll continue to underperform their talent level.

Dallas Mavericks (4-11)

Nico Harrison’s firing has somehow been the lone bright spot for a Mavericks fanbase desperate for something positive to latch onto. Even securing the No. 1 pick in Cooper Flagg hasn’t been enough to soften the blow of a rough 4–11 start. Jason Kidd has experimented with Flagg as a point-forward, but it’s clear the rookie is far more comfortable operating on the wing—and Dallas has yet to put him in a consistent position to succeed. Then there’s the injury report. Anthony Davis has played just 14 games since arriving nearly a year ago. Kyrie Irving is ahead of schedule recovering from his own injury, but with both him and Dante Exum sidelined, the starting point guard duties have fallen to undrafted guard Brandon Williams—who, to his credit, has been surprisingly solid.

Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford have formed an effective “twin towers” frontcourt, but the backcourt has been disastrous. Klay Thompson is averaging just 8 points on 32% shooting, and D’Angelo Russell hasn’t fared much better, leaving the offense clunky and directionless. Dallas desperately needs its stars healthy for fans to finally see the vision Harrison tried to build. Until then, this team remains stuck in the mud.

Memphis Grizzlies (4-10)

Something just isn’t right in Memphis. Ja Morant looks like a shell of himself—playing at half speed, clashing with coaches, leading the team in turnovers, and shooting a career-low 35% from the field. It’s been hard to watch, and the Grizzlies’ identity has unraveled just as quickly. Call me crazy, but you can trace the beginning of the slide to Dillon Brooks’ departure, when the team lost its edge, its agitator, and its defensive heartbeat all at once.

Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to play the “Robin” role admirably, holding down the center spot and doing what he can to steady the defense while Zach Edey works toward returning to the floor. But it isn’t enough. Memphis simply lacks the depth, stability, and intensity needed to compete—especially in a rugged Southwest Division.

Unless this roster gets real help, it’s hard to envision the Grizzlies climbing out of the league’s bottom tier anytime soon.

Charlotte Hornets (4-10)

The Hornets have quietly been one of the more pleasant surprises of the early season. At 4–10, the record doesn’t jump off the page, but the on-court product has been far more entertaining—and far more promising—than expected. LaMelo Ball ranks second in the league in assists, and he's been scoring at a decent clip, but this team packs far more. Second-round gem Ryan Kalkbrenner has been a revelation, averaging 10 points per game on a staggering 81% shooting, giving Charlotte efficient finishing and legit interior presence. Miles Bridges is having a career offensive year at 22 points per game, while Collin Sexton has acclimated quickly as a streaky, fearless scorer. And standout rookie Kon Knueppel is looking like an All-Rookie First Team lock with his shooting.

The Hornets have the pieces—they just need to remain consistent. Brandon Miller is projected to return this week, and his two-way versatility could be the final link that elevates this roster from a fun surprise to a legitimate threat. If he comes back strong, Charlotte’s record may look very different in a month.

Los Angeles Clippers (4-10)

The Clippers' all-veteran, championship-or-bust roster has hit turbulence early. Losing Bradley Beal for the season stripped away a major scoring option before the year even got started, and the rest of the group hasn’t been able to stay consistently healthy. Chris Paul is averaging just 2 points per game, and—unsurprisingly—Kawhi Leonard’s availability has been on and off once again. The constant load management and injury setbacks have contributed heavily to a disappointing 4–10 start.

Still, there are bright spots. James Harden has injected real life into this team, averaging 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists on far better efficiency than last season, often single-handedly keeping the Clippers competitive. Ivica Zubac remains a double-double machine in the paint, while Kris Dunn has been at the premier defensive menace at point guard. The Clippers have the pieces—they just haven’t had the continuity. If they can get even a little bit of injury luck, this roster still has enough talent to climb the standings. But until health is on their side, the dream feels more distant than ever.

Utah Jazz (5-8)

Having a 7'1" stretch forward who can drop 40–50 on elite efficiency is a luxury most teams can only dream of—and Lauri Markkanen has been exactly that. He’s been on a season-long tear, flirting with 50-point outbursts and nearly averaging 30 per night while shooting the lights out. Keyonte George has taken a major leap as well, posting 21 points and 7 assists per game, showing impressive playmaking that firmly places him in the Most Improved Player conversation.

But the problem in Utah is what comes after those two…which is essentially nothing. No other Jazz player is averaging more than 9 points per game, and the team sits just 5th-worst in the NBA in field-goal percentage at 44%. Markkanen is carrying the offense on his back, but too often it feels like he’s doing it alone, with little help and even less scoring urgency around him. Walker Kessler suffering a season ending injury doesn't help either. This team won’t sniff the playoffs unless more contributors step up. Lauri and Keyonte have been brilliant, but two players can’t drag a stalled offense across an 82-game season.

Portland Trail Blazers (6-7)

For a team playing without Damian Lillard, the Trail Blazers have been one of the most pleasant surprises of the season. At this rate, they look every bit like a squad capable of securing at least the No. 8 seed by year’s end. Deni Avdija has taken a massive leap as Portland’s primary scorer, averaging 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists—a legitimate three-level threat who suddenly looks like an All-Star-caliber wing.

Toumani Camara continues to be one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, guarding 1 through 5 with elite discipline and Shaedon Sharpe is blossoming into a future star at 22 points per game (though there’s room for improvement with his efficiency).

Jerami Grant remains a steady inside-out scoring threat at 18 points a night, and with Yang Hansen sidelined, 7'2" Donovan Clingan has stepped up as an interior anchor, protecting the rim at a high level. And Jrue Holiday—freed from Boston’s crowded offense—looks rejuvenated as both a scorer and a defensive tone-setter. This roster is already a nightmare matchup with its length, athleticism, and defensive identity. And the craziest part? They’re doing all this without Damian Lillard and Scoot Henderson. Once those two return, whenever that will be, Portland could become one of the most dangerous dark-horse teams in the West.

Chicago Bulls (7-6)

The Bulls stunned everyone with a red-hot start that briefly placed them atop the Eastern Conference—but it didn’t last. Chicago has since been 1-5, exposing the depth issues that were always lurking beneath the surface. Coby White’s return to full health should give the offense a much-needed scoring jolt, but it’s clear this roster doesn’t have the long-term stability to maintain contender-level play over an 82-game grind. Individually, though, there are real bright spots.

Josh Giddey is having an All-Star-caliber season, and Matas Buzelis looks worlds better than he did as a rookie, flashing a smooth, versatile game reminiscent of Toni Kukoc. His growth has given Chicago a genuine long-term building block. But for veterans like Nikola Vucevic, who is nearing the twilight of his prime and still hungry for meaningful wins, this situation feels bittersweet. The Bulls have talent and flashes of cohesion, but the lack of depth and consistency makes their ceiling limited. A strong finish is possible—but it’s hard to shake the feeling that Vooch deserves a better shot elsewhere.

Boston Celtics (7-7)

Despite Jayson Tatum battling injuries, the Celtics have surprised the league by staying afloat at 7–7. Jaylen Brown has answered every question about whether he could shoulder a No. 1 scoring load, emerging as the league’s top-performing small forward and pouring in 27 points per game. He’s been the stabilizing force Boston desperately needs. But beyond, the roster cracks are showing. Depth is a glaring issue, especially in the frontcourt, where Neemias Queta and 6'6" Jordan Walsh are currently the best available options in the paint—a massive downgrade from the defensive anchors from only a few seasons ago.

Derrick White remains phenomenal defensively, but as a secondary scorer, he’s struggled mightily, shooting just 35% from the field.Unexpected youngsters have stepped up admirably in extended roles, but expecting them to carry this team through the grind of a playoff-caliber environment is unrealistic. Boston has shown heart, but without health and depth, their ceiling is limited.

Orlando Magic (7-7)

Franz Wagner has taken full command of Orlando’s offense this season, stepping up in a major way during Paolo Banchero’s inconsistencies and helping push the Magic to a steady 7–7 start. He’s been their most dependable creator, scorer, and late-game option. Jalen Suggs continues to shine as arguably the most consistent two-way point guard in the Southeast Division, while Wendell Carter Jr. has finally shown real strides on the defensive end. Then there's the Desmond Bane experiment. Orlando brought him in expecting efficient, high-volume shooting as a reliable third option—but so far, he’s averaging his lowest point total since his rookie season and shooting just 31% from deep. The fit hasn’t clicked yet, and that’s placed more pressure on Wagner and Banchero than the team anticipated.

Paolo's potential is undeniable, and this should be the year he makes the leap into full-blown stardom after last season’s strong finish. Instead, inconsistency and a recent injury have slowed his momentum. His timetable remains uncertain, and any setback could stall the breakout campaign many expected. Orlando is solid, talented, and well-coached—but for this team to climb into the East’s upper tier, they’ll need Paolo healthy and Bane back to being the offensive force he was projected to be.

Miami Heat (8-6)

Miami might secretly be one of the biggest problems in the league this season. Despite Tyler Herro not playing a single game and Bam Adebayo dealing with ongoing health issues, the Heat have managed to stay above .500—an impressive feat for a team missing its two most reliable offensive pieces. Add in the uncertainty surrounding Terry Rozier’s future, and the fact that this team is still winning becomes even more remarkable.

Norman Powell has been the revelation holding it all together. At 32, he’s playing the best basketball of his career, averaging 26 points per game and carrying the offense through the first four weeks. Andrew Wiggins has provided steady wing production, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. has taken another leap, emerging as a confident and creative scorer who can break open stretches of games. If this is what Miami looks like operating at half strength, it’s hard not to imagine how dangerous they’ll be once the roster gets healthy. The Heat culture thing? Yeah—it’s still real. And it’s keeping them in the mix.

Milwaukee Bucks (8-7)

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been nothing short of otherworldly this season, putting up a monstrous 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. He’s singlehandedly keeping Milwaukee competitive, dragging a shaky supporting cast to an 8–7 record and a firm hold on the eight seed in the East. His brilliance has covered up a lot—but not everything. Myles Turner has delivered the defensive presence the Bucks expected, and Kyle Kuzma has been an efficient and reliable scoring option. But outside of those three, the roster has been wildly inconsistent. Bobby Portis Jr. looks a step slower than usual, and in a league where three-point shooting is key, starting point guard Cole Anthony is struggling to stretch the floor, shooting just 29% from deep—an issue that tightens spacing around Giannis far too often.

One bright spot has been Ryan Rollins, who has emerged as a major X-factor with 17 points per game and legitimate offensive spark-plug potential. Still, there’s no ignoring the elephant in the room: Lillard's departure has left Milwaukee without a true secondary star, and the drop-off is noticeable. The Bucks are still dangerous as long as Giannis is healthy—but trusting this team to contend is a risky sell.

Phoenix Suns (8-6)

Devin Booker has been the heartbeat of this Suns team, keeping them in the playoff picture even after the Hall-of-Fame-caliber tandem of Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant—was dismantled. Losing that kind of star power would sink most teams, but Phoenix is still finding ways to win. Grayson Allen has been a major reason why, shooting a blistering 44% from three and giving Booker the floor-spacing he needs. Royce O’Neale and Dillon Brooks have both been excellent on the wings, providing catch-and-shoot reliability, toughness, and multi-positional defense. Their energy has kept this team competitive on both ends.

Still, this roster has real limitations. The depth is thin, the margin for error is small, and there’s a lot of ground to make up in a stacked Western Conference. Jalen Green’s return could shift the equation—his shot creation and scoring punch are exactly what Phoenix needs to stabilize the offense and lessen Booker’s load. Whether he can elevate them from scrappy playoff hopefuls to legitimate contenders is the question that will define the next stretch of their season.

Philadelphia 76ers (8-5)

With Paul George’s return on the horizon, the 76ers have done an admirable job holding down the fort. Tyrese Maxey has exploded into full superstardom, ranking fourth in the league with 32 points per game and scoring at every imaginable level: deep threes, high-arching floaters, tough drives, you name it. Beside him, VJ Edgecombe has been a revelation, he's been the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. Philly hasn’t lacked firepower behind them either. Jared McCain is back and Quentin Grimes has been on a blistering hot stretch. The only question is how this many guards coexist. There’s legitimate overlap in size, role, and usage, and figuring out how to balance touches without disrupting the rhythm of the offense will be an ongoing test.

Still, even with the positional crowding and Joel Embiid playing some of the worst basketball of his career, the Sixers’ offense has been dynamic and relentless. Once George returns—and if Embiid finds a rhythm—this team could climb much higher in the rankings. For now, they’re surviving on Maxey’s shooting and an army of scoring guards.

New York Knicks (8-5)

New York boasts one of the best starting lineups in basketball—so good, in fact, that it’s genuinely surprising when they lose. Jalen Brunson continues to be the heartbeat of the team, averaging 28 points per game and orchestrating the offense. Karl-Anthony Towns has elevated his play throughout the In-Season Tournament stretch, giving the Knicks a dynamic inside-out scoring threat that makes this group even tougher to guard. Beyond the chase for the NBA Cup, the Knicks look like legitimate title contenders. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges form the most suffocating wing defensive tandem in the league, a perimeter fortress capable of swallowing up elite scorers on a nightly basis.

And the bench production has been rock solid—New York’s offseason additions of Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet have paid off in major ways, especially with their three-point shooting. And yet… something still feels missing. The Knicks check nearly every box—star power, defense, coaching, depth—but there’s an intangible final piece they haven’t quite tapped into. Whether it’s another or simply the chemistry that unlocks a championship-level ceiling, New York is close…but not all the way there.

Golden State Warriors (9-6)

Golden State lives and dies by its superstar—something that hasn’t changed in a decade. At 37, Steph should be slowing down, but instead he’s putting on a clinic with multiple 40-point explosions, elite efficiency, and a steady 27 points per game as the Warriors’ unquestioned offensive engine. As long as he’s on the floor, the Dubs have a chance. Jimmy Butler III has also grown comfortably into his role as a secondary scorer and wing defender, looking every bit as efficient and composed as he was in Miami. Defensively, the Warriors have quietly been excellent, boasting a 112.7 defensive rating—for an older roster, the age is actually working in their favor: they play smart, controlled, and rarely beat themselves.

But depth remains the red flag. This team is dangerously thin behind Curry, and we’ve seen how quickly things can fall apart if he’s out of the lineup—last season being Exhibit A. The Warriors have enough experience and defensive stability to hover in the playoff mix, but their margin for error is razor thin. One misstep, one injury, and everything could come crashing down.

Toronto Raptors (9-5)

The trio of Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett has worked far better than many expected. Three versatile forwards who can all create, score, and initiate offense give Toronto a unique, matchup-breaking identity. Their efficiency reflects that balance: the Raptors are tied for fifth in the NBA in team field-goal percentage at 49.8%, right alongside the Spurs. This team moves the ball, shares the load, and rarely wastes possessions. But where Toronto really separates itself is the bench.

Jamal Shead provides relentless point-of-attack defense and pace control. Sandro Mamukelashvili brings frontcourt playmaking and stretch ability. Gradey Dick is finally finding consistency as a shooter, and Collin Murray-Boyles gives them toughness, rim pressure, and an interior scoring punch. It’s one of the deepest—and most skilled—second units in the entire league. This roster probably isn’t built to compete for a championship right now, but they’re absolutely capable of giving any opponent a nightmare matchup on a random Tuesday night. The Raptors may not be contenders, but they are a problem—and they’re only getting better.

Atlanta Hawks (9-5)

With a Trae Young return still unclear, the Hawks should theoretically be sinking—but instead, they’re holding firm and quietly building something impressive. Jalen Johnson, finally healthy, has been nothing short of a revelation, averaging 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists on an elite 58.7% shooting. He’s blossomed into a do-it-all forward with star-level impact on both ends. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has emerged as one of the most efficient wings in the league, while Kristaps Porzingis is starting to regain his rhythm as a floor-spacing, shot-altering two-way presence. Zaccharie Risacher has already carved out a niche as a deadly catch-and-shoot option, and Dyson Daniels continues to be one of the best defensive playmakers in basketball, leading the league in steals.

This is not the Hawks team we knew a few years ago—and that’s for the better. They’re longer, more versatile, more disciplined, and far more balanced.

Once Trae Young returns—and assuming this group stays healthy—Atlanta has the pieces to send a real message to the Eastern Conference. This might be one of the league’s most underrated teams.

Minnesota Timberwolves (9-5)

Anthony Edwards’ availability has been inconsistent, but when he’s on the floor, he’s been arguably the best shooting guard in basketball. Julius Randle has finally unlocked his full potential in Minnesota as well, delivering an All-Star-caliber season and giving the Wolves a true secondary engine. With Mike Conley beginning to show his age, the team has shifted Donte DiVincenzo into more on-ball duty, and he’s answered by shooting with confidence and providing steady two-way impact.

The concern is what happens after the starters sit. Minnesota’s depth is thin, and that’s what caps their upside. Naz Reid, normally a Sixth Man favorite, has been more of a defensive presence this year. The rotating trio of Bones Hyland, Rob Dillingham, and Jaylen Clark brings energy, but they’re streaky and not yet reliable enough to swing games on their own. Beyond them, the bench support simply isn’t strong enough to sustain a top seed over a long Western Conference battle. This Wolves team is top-heavy—dangerously good at the top, but vulnerable once you dig past the starting unit.

San Antonio Spurs (9-4)

Victor Wembanyama may have officially “broken” basketball. His dominance this season has been downright unfair for opposing bigs—getting to his spots with ease, dictating the pace on both ends, and establishing himself as a full-blown defensive icon with 3.6 blocks per game. Wemby has pushed the Spurs to a firm hold on the 5th seed, a massive leap for a franchise that hasn’t been taken seriously since the Kawhi era. Reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle deserves just as much credit. He’s been a two-way menace—physical, poised, and consistently making winning plays. He and Wemby have quickly become one of the most intimidating young R.O.Y. duos we've seen.

The concern lies in the backcourt shuffle. With Dylan Harper entering the mix and De’Aaron Fox finally returning to full health, there’s a real risk of role overlap. Multiple high-usage guards sharing the floor could lead to spacing issues, pecking-order questions, and rhythm disruption if not managed carefully. Still, with Wemby playing like a generational force, the Spurs have arrived ahead of schedule. The ceiling is frightening—if they can figure out the guard rotation.

Cleveland Cavaliers (10-5)

With Darius Garland finally healthy and Max Strus nearing his return, the Cavaliers at last have a fully formed roster—and it shows. This is the same core that once held the No. 1 seed in the East, and they still fear no one. Donovan Mitchell has been unstoppable, averaging 30 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists on elite efficiency.

Evan Mobley, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, looks even sharper after refining his shooting touch over the offseason. His expanded offensive range has given Cleveland much-needed spacing, meanwhile, De’Andre Hunter is playing the basketball of his career, finally tapping into the offensive aggression scouts hoped he’d develop.

The Cavs are elite on both endmbut there’s one concern: they lean heavily on Mitchell. Sometimes too heavily. The on/off numbers paint a clear picture—Cleveland’s plus/minus swing with and without Mitchell is the largest in the Eastern Conference. For a team this talented, that’s an identity problem. If they can balance the offense, empower the supporting cast, and avoid becoming overly Mitchell-centric, this team has the depth, defense, and star power to reach at least the Eastern Conference Finals. The ceiling is absolutely there—they just need to tap into all of it.

Houston Rockets (9-3)

Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets haven’t allowed their injury issues to derail their momentum. Even without Fred VanVleet, Houston has stayed locked in, disciplined, and dangerous. Josh Okogie has stepped up with surprising efficiency, and Amen Thompson has shown real growth as a ball-handler and initiator at the point, easing the blow of VanVleet’s absence. Reed Sheppard has been one of the biggest bright spots on the roster—shedding the inconsistency from his rookie season and emerging as a major long-range threat. Alperen Sengün continues to make his case as one of the most complete big men in the league, and his three-point shooting jump to 44% has been nothing short of transformative.

KD asked for a winning situation, and he got one. The Rockets have solid bench depth, a balanced rotation, and a 9–3 record that reflects how well this roster fits together on both ends. The only real concern is the thinning depth at point guard—something that could get exposed against elite backcourts as the season wears on.

But for now? Houston is rolling. And they look like a legitimate threat in the West.

Los Angeles Lakers (10-4)

The Lakers’ 10–4 start is one of the strangest and most fascinating storylines of the season. Luka has led Los Angeles to an elite record while LeBron James continues to ramp up in the G League, and fans are already split on whether Bron’s eventual return will elevate this team—or disrupt the chemistry that’s made them so dominant.

In a perfect world, LeBron comes back, the Lakers level up even further, and the league gets a terrifying title favorite. But there’s an alternate reality where the rotation shifts, the rhythm breaks, and the team loses the identity it's built around Luka. The stakes of his return are sky-high.

As for how the Lakers have been this good without him? Luka's been unreal—34 points per game, leading the league in scoring, and doing it with efficiency. Austin Reaves has taken a massive leap as well, averaging 28 per game including a jaw-dropping 51-point performance. Deandre Ayton has been the center L.A. fans have been begging for: active, confident, and consistent on both ends. Marcus Smart ranks third in the NBA in steals, setting the tone as one of the top point-of-attack defenders in basketball. This roster is built with the perfect blend of offense and defense—and they’ve shown no signs of slowing down, with or without LeBron. The real question is whether his return will unlock their final gear… or complicate the magic they've already found.

Denver Nuggets (10-3)

Even after losing Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets haven’t missed a beat. Denver owns one of the best offensive ratings in basketball at 124.3, and their 10–2 record has them sitting comfortably near the top of the Western Conference. As usual, everything starts with Nikola Jokic—who is once again putting together an MVP-level camaign. His 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists on 67% shooting make him the clear frontrunner for the award, and his nightly domination has kept the Nuggets’ machine running. Aaron Gordon has taken a leap as a scorer, thriving as a catch-and-shoot threat at 19 points per game rather than relying solely on athleticism. Jamal Murray remains one of the league’s most reliable playoff-style guards. Even though Cam Johnson isn't the player he was last season, his floor spacing alone continues to be a subtle but meaningful positive.

Depth is where Denver has truly leveled up. The additions of Jonas Valanciuas and Tim Hardaway Jr. have given this roster one of the most complete supporting casts in the NBA. Lineups don’t fall apart when Jokic sits anymore, and that’s a massive difference from years past. The only lingering concern is the lack of star power behind Jokic.

Detroit Pistons (12-2)

The Pistons came into this season hungry—still stinging from last year’s playoff exit against New York—and they’ve responded with one of the most impressive starts in the league. At 11–2, there’s no secret formula or lucky breaks behind their success. It’s simply hard work, elite buy-in, and Cade Cunningham playing like a star. Cade has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 27 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds, and commanding the offense with total control. Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson have been elite floor-spacers, giving Cade the driving lanes and kick-out targets he thrives on.

Ausar Thompson has emerged as a not just a defensive menace, but a shooter, wreaking havoc on the perimeter and guarding multiple positions with ease. Meanwhile, Jalen Duren has taken a huge step forward offensively. Jaden Ivey hasn’t even returned yet. Detroit’s offense still has another gear waiting to be unlocked though, and the one major concern is depth—the rotation beyond the core is thin without Bealey, and sustainability could become a question as the season wears on. But for now, this team looks focused, hungry, and absolutely legit. Revenge tour activated.

Oklahoma City Thunder (14-1)

To the surprise of absolutely no one, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder sit atop not just the West, but the entire league at 14–1. What is scary, though, is that they’re doing it without ever really being at full strength. This roster has been hit with day-to-day injuries nonstop, but it just hasn’t mattered. Jalen Williams hasn’t played a game yet. Lu Dort has been in and out of the lineup. Nick Wiggins and Alex Caruso have both struggled to stay consistently available. On most teams, that kind of attrition would tank the entire team, but for OKC, it’s a footnote. Shai has been that dominant.

His 32 points per game have him firmly in the MVP conversation and on the interior, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein have formed a terrifying twin-tower duo. Isaiah Joe and Ajay Mitchell have stepped up as scorers in J-Dub’s absence, filling gaps without trying to do too much. The Thunder have the odds to repeat—and the real question might not be if they’ll contend, but just how far this regular-season dominance can go. The Cavs posted a monster record last year and faded late, but this OKC team feels different. With their depth, versatility, and Shai at the helm, they might be the closest thing we’ve seen to a modern 2015–16 Warriors-level buzzsaw.

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The NBA landscape never stays still for long. Injuries, hot streaks, cold spells, and surprise breakout performances will continue to reshape these rankings week after week. But as of now, this is where every team stands—and something tells me the contenders at the top won’t be giving up their spots without a fight.