NBA Power Rankings: LA Lakers lead Top 10 teams ahead of Week 3

Los Angeles Clippers v Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Clippers v Los Angeles Lakers

#4 Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks v Miami Heat
Milwaukee Bucks v Miami Heat

2020-21 record: 3-3

Upcoming fixtures: Detroit (home), Detroit (home), Utah (home), Cleveland (home)

Inconsistency has epitomized Milwaukee over the past few postseasons and unfortunately for fans, their 3-3 record shows the trait all too clearly. Ahead of them lies a string of winnable home fixtures, where currently they are 2 for 2.

Milwaukee have started strongly from beyond the 3-point line, making more than 20 from deep in 3 games. Giannis' minutes have been watched in blowout victories and Khris Middleton is recording career-high points and assists.

The positives that the Bucks can draw from their opening games should soon provide more consistency which deems them as favorites to top the Eastern Conference.

#3 Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers v Indiana Pacers
Philadelphia 76ers v Indiana Pacers

2020-21 record: 5-1

Upcoming fixtures: Charlotte (home), Washington (home), Brooklyn (away), Denver (home)

Under new coach Doc Rivers, the Philadelphia 76ers have started the season strongly and eased past opposition they would expect to be beating - apart from their game in New York. Their Eastern Conference rivals have struggled with this.

Where others have failed to capitalize on opportunities, the Sixers have defended resolutely. Therefore, even though their offense is yet to get going, they have been able to fall back on their defense which stands atop the NBA.

The fact that Philadelphia are winning games while the likes of Ben Simmons suffers from his shooting percentage is a good sign.

#2 LA Clippers

Portland Trail Blazers v Los Angeles Clippers
Portland Trail Blazers v Los Angeles Clippers

2020-21 record: 5-2

Upcoming fixtures: San Antonio (home), Golden State (away) x2, Chicago (home)

The Clippers overcame an obstinate Phoenix Suns on Sunday night to record their fifth win of the season. In the fixture, Paul George continued his form which looks as though the forward may be returning to his peak, averaging 25 points and 5 assists.

A masked Kawhi Leonard returned to the fold after the Clippers suffered the franchise's heaviest defeat in history to the Mavericks. The former DPOY helped his side comfortably beat the Timberwolves and Trail Blazers.

Although lacking concentration, the Clippers have been able to hold onto leads and have taken some early-season scalps. beating the Lakers and Nuggets.

#1 LA Lakers

Los Angeles v San Antonio Spurs
Los Angeles v San Antonio Spurs

2020-21 record: 5-2

Upcoming fixtures: Memphis (away), San Antonio (home), Chicago (home), Houston (away)

In their two toughest matchups that they have played, against the Clippers and Trail Blazers, the Lakers have lost both which may worry coach Vogel. Despite this, the LA Lakers still sit atop our NBA Power Rankings and are favorites to win back-to-back titles.

The Lakers roster is deeper than last season and possesses more talent. Combined with All-Stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers contain too many weapons with which to hurt their opponents which will prove enough to beat the majority of the league this season.

On the road, the Lakers are continuing their fine form from their championship-winning year by going 3-0 so far.

Recommended Video
tagline-video-image

Guess the Lakers players!

Quick Links