ESPN releases NBA power rankings, Lakers 10th

ESPN has released its first NBA power rankings for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Despite having LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the roster, the Los Angeles Lakers are only ranked 10th

The top team on the power rankings is, no surprise, the Oklahoma City Thunder. They were the best team all season long last year, capping the year off with an NBA championship.

Here’s ESPN’s full NBA power rankings list.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

2. Houston Rockets

3. Denver Nuggets

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

5. New York Knicks

6. Minnesota Timberwolves

7. Los Angeles Clippers

8. Orlando Magic

9. Golden State Warriors

10. Los Angeles Lakers

11. Detroit Pistons

12. Atlanta Hawks

13. Dallas Mavericks

14. Milwaukee Bucks

15. Memphis Grizzlies

16. San Antonio Spurs

17. Boston Celtics

18. Philadelphia 76ers

19. Miami Heat

20. Indiana Pacers

21. Portland Trail Blazers

22. Sacramento Kings

23. Chicago Bulls

24. Toronto Raptors

25. Phoenix Suns

26. New Orleans Pelicans

27. Charlotte Hornets

28. Brooklyn Nets

29. Washington Wizards

30. Utah Jazz

Once the season starts, this ranking could completely change. Can the Lakers crack the top five by the next power rankings?