NBA power rankings: Luka Doncic, Lakers take steps forward
- - NBA power rankings: Luka Doncic, Lakers take steps forward
James H. Williams, USA TODAYNovember 7, 2025 at 10:02 PM
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NBA power rankings: Luka Doncic, Lakers take steps forward
The Los Angeles Lakers have produced a good showing early, despite having to overcome some early-season injuries.
LeBron James has not made his season debut and will not be available for at least another week. The Lakers have also had to navigate notable players such as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves missing time on the court.
While it remains unclear when the Lakers’ roster will be completely healthy, with all of their top players on the court at the same time, the Lakers have managed a 7-2 start to the season and find themselves just one win out of the top spot in the Western Conference standings.
NBA power rankings: Lakers surge, even with LeBron James, Luka Doncic missing games
Gold medalist LeBron James of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Men's basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 10, 2024 in Paris, France.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CXImK6Xldkopz6dfuxUj2A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4b8534129371136b355210d05f046549 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
Gold medalist LeBron James of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Men's basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 10, 2024 in Paris, France.
">Gold medalist LeBron James of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Men's basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 10, 2024 in Paris, France.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CXImK6Xldkopz6dfuxUj2A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4b8534129371136b355210d05f046549 class=caas-img>
Forward LeBron James reacts against the New York Knicks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2012 at the American Airines Arena in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated the Knicks 106-94 to advance to the next round four games to one.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qlN7Om666zMvjDx2pV5fHg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjM5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4887c852847363ad4a0d29aad68fb969 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
Forward LeBron James reacts against the New York Knicks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2012 at the American Airines Arena in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated the Knicks 106-94 to advance to the next round four games to one.
">Forward LeBron James reacts against the New York Knicks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2012 at the American Airines Arena in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated the Knicks 106-94 to advance to the next round four games to one.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qlN7Om666zMvjDx2pV5fHg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjM5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4887c852847363ad4a0d29aad68fb969 class=caas-img>
LeBron James speaks to the media on an off day following Game Three of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena on June 11, 2014 in Miami, Florida.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9SHZS1ZsI1kDfqOxapI.Mw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/08ad154f82829989df4b40c7601a898f class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James speaks to the media on an off day following Game Three of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena on June 11, 2014 in Miami, Florida.
">LeBron James speaks to the media on an off day following Game Three of the 2014 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Arena on June 11, 2014 in Miami, Florida.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9SHZS1ZsI1kDfqOxapI.Mw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/08ad154f82829989df4b40c7601a898f class=caas-img>LeBron James reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Lakers 118-104.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zWK6IWbDU8kebBcR76sklw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/62d45e1e7cb68a25ebbe631b7fd2acf8 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Lakers 118-104.
">LeBron James reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Lakers 118-104.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zWK6IWbDU8kebBcR76sklw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/62d45e1e7cb68a25ebbe631b7fd2acf8 class=caas-img>LeBron James cries before the Men's Preliminary Round Group B match Spain vs China at the London 2012 Olympic Games , on July 29, 2012 in London.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bOGX.VQtvV7jzPCSHOkLgQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzUw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/220a81a24a9b75dceb2e7c86d4a53211 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James cries before the Men's Preliminary Round Group B match Spain vs China at the London 2012 Olympic Games , on July 29, 2012 in London.
">LeBron James cries before the Men's Preliminary Round Group B match Spain vs China at the London 2012 Olympic Games , on July 29, 2012 in London.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bOGX.VQtvV7jzPCSHOkLgQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzUw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/220a81a24a9b75dceb2e7c86d4a53211 class=caas-img>LeBron James is injured against the Charlotte Bobcats in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 28, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QdYD0_jUS5BSKNhidW2vQw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05OTM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8de9c1fa5a1e17fb11ae05f3b45ff063 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James is injured against the Charlotte Bobcats in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 28, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
">LeBron James is injured against the Charlotte Bobcats in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 28, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QdYD0_jUS5BSKNhidW2vQw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05OTM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8de9c1fa5a1e17fb11ae05f3b45ff063 class=caas-img>LeBron James argues a foul call with referee John Goble #10 during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 25, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qyOdzhyFUg4f4gQ4.m0cOA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9084f3b168f047a238e4db31c50dd307 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James argues a foul call with referee John Goble #10 during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 25, 2025 in Los Angeles.
">LeBron James argues a foul call with referee John Goble #10 during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 25, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qyOdzhyFUg4f4gQ4.m0cOA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9084f3b168f047a238e4db31c50dd307 class=caas-img>LeBron James reacts as the Lakers play the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on Dec. 25, 2022 in Dallas, Texas.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hm0TJiq844yTPLfkEa30BA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1eb5d176fcfef18f3a5ee7c6a12db98e class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James reacts as the Lakers play the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on Dec. 25, 2022 in Dallas, Texas.
">LeBron James reacts as the Lakers play the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on Dec. 25, 2022 in Dallas, Texas.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hm0TJiq844yTPLfkEa30BA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1eb5d176fcfef18f3a5ee7c6a12db98e class=caas-img>LeBron James looks on before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/65mh2Ib7ia49898nxWZGuA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5d0d00e6f3ab2ccc37c654c0f9780b13 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James looks on before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">LeBron James looks on before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on Jan. 30, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/65mh2Ib7ia49898nxWZGuA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5d0d00e6f3ab2ccc37c654c0f9780b13 class=caas-img>LeBron James signals to teammates after making a three-point shot at the end of the 3rd quarter against the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 25, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 121-98.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/n_wTo17Svgn0rH.kYoHROA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/755000ffe706d96e557c77a9d31a2702 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James signals to teammates after making a three-point shot at the end of the 3rd quarter against the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 25, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 121-98.
">LeBron James signals to teammates after making a three-point shot at the end of the 3rd quarter against the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 25, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 121-98.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/n_wTo17Svgn0rH.kYoHROA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/755000ffe706d96e557c77a9d31a2702 class=caas-img>LeBron James reacts during a 117-108 Lakers win over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6y4fOOgqQQbRCUb29lDW2w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/27f9ca871f53e876c486e64e903ff83c class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James reacts during a 117-108 Lakers win over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2025 in Los Angeles.
">LeBron James reacts during a 117-108 Lakers win over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6y4fOOgqQQbRCUb29lDW2w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/27f9ca871f53e876c486e64e903ff83c class=caas-img>LeBron James shouts during a game against CSKA Moscow on October 12, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Miami heat won 96-85 over CSKA Moscow.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HpQoOOMXQJHicnINQJlQUQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bfea8ff6440229612ccd35e18f85b504 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James shouts during a game against CSKA Moscow on October 12, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Miami heat won 96-85 over CSKA Moscow.
">LeBron James shouts during a game against CSKA Moscow on October 12, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Miami heat won 96-85 over CSKA Moscow.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HpQoOOMXQJHicnINQJlQUQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bfea8ff6440229612ccd35e18f85b504 class=caas-img>LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Nx8HO_o4b9G7YUEa_Yy7mw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzc0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/584df9e92111338c723ab4b5f66a61a5 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
">LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Nx8HO_o4b9G7YUEa_Yy7mw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzc0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/584df9e92111338c723ab4b5f66a61a5 class=caas-img>LeBron James reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8Hkhjq05K9HEj1GmiidM.A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aa51fe448fd6e1146a82ac8741213214 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
">LeBron James reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8Hkhjq05K9HEj1GmiidM.A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aa51fe448fd6e1146a82ac8741213214 class=caas-img>LeBron James sits during a training session in the leadup to the Cleveland Cavaliers exhibition match against the Orlando Magic in Shanghai in October 2007.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MRdsolhegzBMCIqAzLSojA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzc3/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/57071f486e9c4198ffc4a39c93770455 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James sits during a training session in the leadup to the Cleveland Cavaliers exhibition match against the Orlando Magic in Shanghai in October 2007.
">LeBron James sits during a training session in the leadup to the Cleveland Cavaliers exhibition match against the Orlando Magic in Shanghai in October 2007.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MRdsolhegzBMCIqAzLSojA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzc3/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/57071f486e9c4198ffc4a39c93770455 class=caas-img>LeBron James at Intuit Dome on Jan. 19, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9Nlpxwettj4cE3MPJZT.iA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/70fa6a1e2efead186cc78f84968bcb27 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James at Intuit Dome on Jan. 19, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
">LeBron James at Intuit Dome on Jan. 19, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9Nlpxwettj4cE3MPJZT.iA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/70fa6a1e2efead186cc78f84968bcb27 class=caas-img>LeBron James in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 28, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JN.P7R6GF8.jQz5zlgX0CA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0e2a747628de16a2876689d3ca7f7413 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 28, 2025 in Los Angeles.
">LeBron James in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 28, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JN.P7R6GF8.jQz5zlgX0CA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0e2a747628de16a2876689d3ca7f7413 class=caas-img>LeBron James falls to the court after a foul during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BT2C5EYJkcp84nktq4G7eA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b0e7a07aa463ebd8df3c506bef60d3c9 class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James falls to the court after a foul during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
">LeBron James falls to the court after a foul during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BT2C5EYJkcp84nktq4G7eA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b0e7a07aa463ebd8df3c506bef60d3c9 class=caas-img>LeBron James reacts during warm up prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NtcIpHmUGrXFDNk8MHAyfg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7ab583feb00c1d535eccc9626e03ca3b class=caas-img data-headline="The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James" data-caption="
LeBron James reacts during warm up prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
">LeBron James reacts during warm up prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 19, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NtcIpHmUGrXFDNk8MHAyfg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7ab583feb00c1d535eccc9626e03ca3b class=caas-img>
1 / 21The many faces of basketball legend LeBron James
Gold medalist LeBron James of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Men's basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 10, 2024 in Paris, France.
Where do the Lakers rank?
The Lakers surged up the USA TODAY Sports power rankings, moving from 11th to second.
L.A. only trails the Oklahoma City Thunder in the rankings.
The Lakers have won five straight games with either Reaves or Doncic serving as the leading scorer, outside of a game on Nov. 3, when Deandre Ayton produced 29 points in a 123-115 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Doncic has multiple games this season with 35 or more points, including a season-high of 49 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 24.
While Doncic did not play in the next few games after that performance, Reaves picked up his offensive production and scored a team-high 51 points just two days later on the road against the Sacramento Kings.
When do the Lakers play next?
The Lakers will play the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA power rankings: Where Luka Doncic and Lakers land
Source: “AOL Sports”
