NBA Power Rankings Week 5: Los Angeles Lakers remain the team to beat; Houston Rockets rise

#3 Los Angeles Clippers - Current Record: 8-5

The Los Angeles Clippers have impressed during the opening weeks despite missing Paul George

The Los Angeles Clippers experienced a tough fourth week of the season as they lost to the New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets, but Paul George's return from injury is a huge boost. In his home debut, PG13 dropped 37 in just 20 minutes against the Atlanta Hawks, and over the coming week, we should finally get our first glimpse of the Paul George-Kawhi Leonard partnership.

---

#2 Boston Celtics - Current Record: 10-2

Kemba Walker has been impressive following his move from the Charlotte Hornets

When Gordon Hayward was lost to injury for six weeks, it looked as though the Boston Celtics would struggle to keep up their excellent start. However, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have stepped up, while Kemba Walker continues to prove that he is a more than adequate replacement for Kyrie Irving.

A loss to the Sacramento Kings snapped their winning streak at 10. However, despite the defeat, the Celtics have still been the most impressive team in the East.

---

#1 Los Angeles Lakers - Current Record: 11-2

LeBron James is among the NBA's leading MVP contenders after four weeks of the new season

Despite making plenty of changes during the offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have been remarkably consistent during the first month of the season, making an impressive 11-2 start to the season.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis have clicked instantly, while the Lakers have been further boosted by the return to fitness of Kyle Kuzma and Rajon Rondo.

They face the Oklahoma City Thunder twice before ending Week 5 against the Memphis Grizzlies, and it is difficult to envision anything other than three more wins.