NBA Power Rankings: LA Lakers return to the top with Milwaukee Bucks gathering momentum after recording 4 straight wins

#2 Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers leader Ben Simmons.

2020-21 record: 17-7

Upcoming fixtures: @SAC, @POR, @PHX

Previous Top 10 ranking: 2nd (-)

Facing two undermanned sides this week, the current Eastern Conference leaders made up for their mistakes against Portland to comfortably knock off Brooklyn. Ben Simmons returned after missing the loss against the Trail Blazers, putting up 16 points and 12 rebounds.

The Philadelphia 76ers still have one of the best defenses in the league (fourth-best). They are also getting the best out of Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris. Harris, who has reunited with former coach Doc Rivers, is averaging career-high points and field-goal percentage.

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#1 LA Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers' pregame routine.

2020-21 record: 18-6

Upcoming fixtures: OKC, OKC, MEM, @DEN

Previous Top 10 ranking: 3rd (↑2)

It was inevitable that the reigning champions would bounce back and return to their throne atop our NBA power rankings after their dismal showing last week. LeBron James' MVP stock sky-rocketed this week after recording a triple-double against Denver, while Jokic was limited to 13 points by the Lakers defense.

When @KingJames and @AntDavis23 combine, they tend to put on a Lake Show 😎Watch them in action tomorrow when Lakers face Thunder, #OnlyHere on 🎟️ NBA League Pass ➡️ https://t.co/G8q7AEqOQt pic.twitter.com/BLjYCxfllu

— NBAIndia (@NBAIndia) February 8, 2021

The franchise's investment in their roster's improvement is showing its worth. Kyle Kuzma is playing some of the best basketball of his career off the bench, with the pressure to perform off his shoulders. Meanwhile, Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol are providing the interior defense that was, at times, missing for the Lakers last season.