NBA Power Rankings: Who's No. 1, Miami Heat or L.A. Lakers?
With the 2010-11 NBA season tipping off less than a week from now, we at Bleacher Report gathered together a number of our NBA featured columnists for what will soon become a weekly feature: Featured Columnist Power Rankings.
Each writer—we had 11 this week, both team-based and national—submitted a simple 1-30 list with their rankings of each team going into the season.
Not surprisingly, our team of FCs largely agreed on the top teams—only two of our writers had either the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics or Orlando Magic ranked outside of their top four.
There's largely consensus at the very bottom of the list too—sorry in advance, Cleveland, Toronto and Minnesota.
But when you get into the likely lottery teams, there's plenty of debate. Teams like the Warriors, Wizards, Clippers and Sixers were all ranked in the low-teens by some, the low-20s by others.
Let's get to the power rankings, shall we?
The Bleacher Report NBA Power Rankings are done by averaging individual feature columnists' tallies. This week's contributors were: Allen Kim (NBA), Tom Smith (NBA), Ty Adams (Nuggets), James Schmidt (Rockets), Shams Charania (Bulls), Preston DeGarmo (Blazers), Brian Chappatta (Bulls), John Friel (Heat), Patrick Harrel (Rockets), Ryan Virgin (Blazers) and Bryan Toporek (NBA Team Leader).
30. Toronto Raptors
1 of 30
2010 Record: 40-42
Key Additions: PF Ed Davis, SF Linas Kleiza, SG Leandro Barbosa
Key Losses: PF Chris Bosh, SF Hedo Turkoglu
The Raptors earned the (dis)honor of the No. 30 ranking from four of our 11 writers this week. Seeing as they lost their best player, Chris Bosh, for two future draft picks, and turned Hedo Turkoglu into Leandro Barbosa this summer, it's not difficult to see why.
It's going to be tough sledding for the Raptors all year, as they look to recover and rebuild from the Bosh era with some combination of DeMar DeRozan, Ed Davis, Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems.
This Week:
Wed., Oct. 27 vs. New York Knicks, 7 pm ET
Friday, Oct. 29 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7 pm ET
29. Minnesota Timberwolves
2 of 30
2010 Record: 15-67
Key Additions: PF Michael Beasley, SF Martell Webster, SF Wesley Johnson
Key Losses: PF/C Al Jefferson, PG Ramon Sessions
The T'Wolves just edged out the Raptors for "not-the-worst-team-in-the-preseason" honors, but five of our 11 writers ranked them No. 30. (One writer ranking them at No. 25 pushed them ahead of the Raps.) One word sums this ranking up: KAAAAAAAAAAAHN!
When you've got a team with about seven small forwards, two purported NBA draft busts (Darko Milicic and Michael Beasley), and your best player (Kevin Love) can't seem to crack the starting lineup, you've got problems. And a sub-30-win season right around the corner.
This Week
Wed., Oct. 27 vs. Sacramento Kings, 8 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 8 pm ET
Sat., Oct. 30 @ Memphis Grizzlies, 8 pm ET
28. Detroit Pistons
3 of 30
2010 Record: 27-55
Key Additions: PF/C Greg Monroe, SG/SF Tracy McGrady
Key Losses: None
Our writers don't have much faith in this Pistons team that's trapped in NBA limbo; until they get rid of the half of their 2004 championship team (Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Ben Wallace) still on their roster, they're bound for the lottery.
The addition of McGrady certainly piques our interest, but playing time will be hard to come by in Detroit, with Hamilton, Prince and Austin Daye already commanding minutes at the wing.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 @ New Jersey Nets, 7 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 8 pm ET
Sat., Oct. 30 @ Chicago Bulls, 8 pm ET
27. Cleveland Cavaliers
4 of 30
2010 Record: 61-21
Key Additions: PG Ramon Sessions
Key Losses: SF LeBron James, C Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C Shaquille O'Neal
Eight words really sum this ranking up: "I'm going to take my talents to South Beach." When those words left LeBron James' lips, the Cleveland Cavaliers immediately entered a rebuilding era—one that may be rough to prepare for after back-to-back 60-win seasons.
All isn't lost for Cleveland in the eyes of our writers—Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison and especially J.J. Hickson should prevent the Cavs from being this year's version of the 2009-10 Nets.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 vs. Boston Celtics, 7 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 @ Toronto Raptors, 7 pm ET
Sat., Oct. 30 vs. Sacramento Kings, 7:30 pm ET
26. Sacramento Kings
5 of 30
2010 Record: 25-57
Key Additions: C DeMarcus Cousins, C Samuel Dalembert
Key Losses: C Spencer Hawes, SF Andres Nocioni
Last year, the Kings lucked out and drafted the Rookie of the Year, Tyreke Evans, with the No. 4 pick. This year, with the No. 5, the Kings may have one-upped themselves with big man DeMarcus Cousins.
If Cousins can keep his attitude questions as a thing of the past, the Kings may have just drafted back-to-back ROYs. That'll speed up any rebuilding process.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 @ Minnesota Timberwolves, 8 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 @ New Jersey Nets, 7 pm ET
Sat., Oct. 30 @ Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:30 pm ET
25. New Jersey Nets
6 of 30
2010 Record: 12-70
Key Additions: PF Troy Murphy, PF Derrick Favors, SG Anthony Morrow
Key Losses: SG Courtney Lee
The Nets nearly set a record for putridity last season, winning only three more wins than the worst regular season team of all time, the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers.
With better injury luck this year, they shouldn't have much trouble doubling last season's win total. The addition of Murphy, Favors, Morrow and backup PG Jordan Farmar should only speed the rebuilding process up.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 vs. Detroit Pistons, 7 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 vs. Sacramento Kings, 7 pm ET
Sun., Oct. 31 vs. Miami Heat, 1 pm ET
T-23. Philadelphia 76ers
7 of 30
2010 Record: 27-55
Key Additions: SG Evan Turner, C Spencer Hawes
Key Losses: C Samuel Dalembert, SG Willie Green
Leave it to Philly fans: The Sixers haven't played a single regular season game yet, and there are already rumblings about Evan Turner being a draft bust. They must not remember that Stephen Curry was no preseason superstar last year.
The Sixers have the talent to compete for one of the final playoff spots in the East, if they can put it all together. Given their past two years, there's no telling whether or not that can happen under new coach Doug Collins.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 vs. Miami Heat, 7 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 vs. Atlanta Hawks, 7 pm ET
Sat. Oct. 30 @ Indiana Pacers, 8 pm ET
T-23. Golden State Warriors
8 of 30
2010 Record: 26-56
Key Additions: PF David Lee, PF Lou Amundson
Key Losses: PF Anthony Randolph, C Ronny Turiaf, SF Corey Maggette
The Warriors underwent one of the more drastic roster transformations this summer, shipping out Corey Maggette for cap relief and a combo of young, potential-laden players for the Knicks' David Lee.
Now, the Dubs hope to build around Lee, second-year PG Stephen Curry and SG Monta Ellis. While Don Nelson may not be the coach anymore, here's guessing the defensive intensity in the Bay Area stays the same.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 vs. Houston Rockets, 10:30 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 vs. Los Angeles Clippers, 10:30 pm ET
Sun., Oct. 31 @ Los Angeles Lakers, 9:30 pm ET
22. Washington Wizards
9 of 30
2010 Record: 26-56
Key Additions: PG John Wall, SG Kirk Hinrich
Key Losses: PG Randy Foye, SG Mike Miller
With one stroke of lottery luck, the Wizards' long-term outlook took a huge leap. John Wall should be the perfect icon in Washington to help the Wizards heal from the Gilbert Arenas era, and Gil could always revert to All-Star form (provided that he keeps his mouth shut).
Personally, the thought of a three-guard lineup—which coach Flip Saunders has been running with Wall, Arenas and Hinrich this preseason—has this writer bubbling with excitement. Villanova coach Jay Wright is probably thinking the exact same thing.
This Week
Thurs., Oct. 28 @ Orlando Magic, 8 pm ET
Sat., Oc.t 30 @ Atlanta Hawks, 7 pm ET
21. Indiana Pacers
10 of 30
2010 Record: 32-50
Key Additions: PG Darren Collison, SF Paul George
Key Losses: PF Troy Murphy, PG Earl Watson
This summer, the Pacers somehow snuck into a four-way trade and managed to trade Troy Murphy's expiring contract for Darren Collison, their purported point guard of the future. That's one pretty solid jackpot for Larry Bird.
The Collison-Danny Granger-Roy Hibbert trio could end up being one of the most dynamic young trios in the league this season, even if the Pacers don't end up making the playoffs.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 @ San Antonio Spurs, 8:30 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 @ Charlotte Bobcats, 7 pm ET
Sat. Oct. 30 vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 8 pm ET
20. Charlotte Bobcats
11 of 30
2010 Record: 44-38
Key Additions: C Kwame Brown, PG Shaun Livingston
Key Losses: PG Raymond Felton, C Tyson Chandler
The Bobcats hope to build upon their first playoff berth in franchise history, but it's difficult to see how they tangibly improved since then. Charlotte lacked a reliable scorer other than Stephen Jackson, and didn't make much progress on finding one this summer.
The 'Cats could always come out and surprise, with another All-Star-caliber season from Gerald Wallace, but they simply don't have the scoring punch to compete with the big boys in the East.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 vs. Dallas Mavericks, 8:30 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 @ Indiana Pacers, 7 pm ET
Sat., Oct. 30 vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 8:30pm ET
19. Los Angeles Clippers
12 of 30
2010 Record: 29-53
Key Additions: SF Al-Farouq Aminu, PG Randy Foye, PF Blake Griffin
Key Losses: PG Steve Blake, SF Travis Outlaw, PF Drew Gooden
The Clippers' entire season appears to boil down to the health of 2009 No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin, from the looks of things. The Clips couldn't push through to the playoffs despite an inspired start last year, and need Griffin's presence to make that next step.
If Griffin manages to stay healthy all season despite his physical style of play, he'll challenge both John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins for Rookie of the Year.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 10:30 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 @ Golden State Warriors, 10:30 pm ET
Sun., Oct. 31 vs. Dallas Mavericks, 3:30 pm ET
18. New Orleans Hornets
13 of 30
2010 Record: 37-45
Key Additions: SF Trevor Ariza, SG Marco Belinelli
Key Losses: PG Darren Collison, SG Morris Peterson
Much like the Denver Nuggets are going through now, the Hornets had their own superstar trade demand scare this summer, but all appears well (on the outside) for Chris Paul now. With Ariza, David West and Emeka Okafor, Paul appears willing to give it one more honest try.
If the Hornets fall flat on their face coming out of the gate, though…how long until grumblings about CP3 trade rumors start growing louder and louder?
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 8 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 vs. Denver Nuggets, 8 pm ET
Sat., Oct. 30 @ San Antonio Spurs, 8:30 pm ET
17. New York Knicks
14 of 30
2010 Record: 29-53
Key Additions: PF Amar'e Stoudemire, PF Anthony Randolph, C Timofey Mozgov, PG Raymond Felton
Key Losses: PF David Lee, PG Chris Duhon
The Knicks may not have landed LeBron James, but compared to last year, Amar'e Stoudemire will still be seen as a godsend (at least, until he gets injured the first time, that is).
Amar'e just admitted it'll be a battle for the Knicks to make the playoffs this season, but most our writers felt optimistic that New York will be challenging for a playoff spot late next season.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 @ Toronto Raptors, 7 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 @ Boston Celtics, 7:30 pm ET
Sat., Oct. 30 vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 7:30 pm ET
16. Memphis Grizzlies
15 of 30
2010 Record: 40-42
Key Additions: SG Xavier Henry, SG Tony Allen
Key Losses: SG Ronnie Brewer
The Grizzlies were a team that got little respect from our writers, given that they were a playoff team last year that still hasn't been defeated in this year's preseason.
The Grizz appear to have no major weak links in their young starting five—and with Zach Randolph in a contract year, Memphis can likely expect another 20-10 season from him.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 vs. Atlanta Hawks, 8 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 @ Dallas Mavericks, 8:30 pm ET
Sat., Oct. 30 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 8 pm ET
15. Phoenix Suns
16 of 30
2010 Record: 54-28
Key Additions: SF Josh Childress, SF/PF Hedo Turkoglu
Key Losses: PF Amar'e Stoudemire, SG Leandro Barbosa
After six successful years together, the Steve Nash-Amar'e Stoudemire duo finally separated this summer, leaving the Phoenix Suns praying the 36-year-old Nash can still be asked to carry a team.
With shooters like Turkoglu, Childress, Jason Richardson and Channing Frye surrounding him, the Suns should be able to replace Amar'e scoring load. With only Robin Lopez to main the paint, though, Phoenix may be surprised to miss Stoudemire defensively this season as well.
This Week
Tues., Oct. 26 @ Portland Trail Blazers, 10 pm ET
Thurs., Oct. 28 @ Utah Jazz, 10:30 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 vs Los Angeles Lakers, 10:30 pm ET
14. Denver Nuggets
17 of 30
2010 Record: 53-29
Key Additions: PF Al Harrington
Key Losses: SF Linas Kleiza, C Johan Petro
This team is the one most likely to take a steep fall at some point this season, as Carmelo Anthony appears to have one foot out the door of Denver at this point.
If/whenever the Nuggets trade Melo, they'll plummet to the level of the lottery-level teams for the next few years. Then again, isn't it better to get something other than future draft picks for your franchise superstar?
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 vs. Utah Jazz, 9 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 @ New Orleans Hornets, 8 pm ET
Sat., Oct. 30 @ Houston Rockets, 8:30 pm ET
13. Milwaukee Bucks
18 of 30
2010 Record: 46-36
Key Additions: SF Corey Maggette, PF Drew Gooden
Key Losses: PG Luke Ridnour
Amazingly, after sneaking into the sixth spot in the East last season and putting the scare of a lifetime into the Atlanta Hawks, the Milwaukee Bucks have flown largely under the radar this preseason.
Make no mistake: If/when Andrew Bogut comes back healthy, the Bucks are a legitimate, dangerous playoff team in the East. The combo of Bogut, Maggette, John Salmons and Jennings could be enough for the Bucks to end up stealing the Central division from the Chicago Bulls.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 @ New Orleans Hornets, 8 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 @ Minnesota Timberwolves, 8 pm ET
Sat., Oct 30 vs. Charlotte Bobcats, 8:30 pm ET
12. Houston Rockets
19 of 30
2010 Record: 42-40
Key Additions: SG Courtney Lee
Key Losses: SF Trevor Ariza
Bottom line for the Rockets' season: If Yao can manage to stay healthy all season, given his new 24-minute-per-game limit, Houston has a trump card in its pocket that no team could hope to match come playoff time. And make no mistake, the Rockets aren't missing the playoffs again this year.
The addition of Yao back into the lineup should open things up more in the backcourt for Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin, making the Rockets that much more dangerous.
This Week
Tues., Oct. 26 @ Los Angeles Lakers, 10:30 pm ET
Weds., Oct. 27 @ Golden State Warriors, 10:30 pm ET
Sat., Oct. 30 vs. Denver Nuggets, 8:30 pm ET
11. Atlanta Hawks
20 of 30
2010 Record: 53-29
Key Additions: None
Key Losses: SF Josh Childress
The Hawks were guilty of the single worst contract this summer, as they paid Joe Johnson $10 million more than LeBron, D-Wade and Chris Bosh all signed for. That's inexcusable, especially for a penny-pinching franchise like the Hawks.
They may have burst through for a 50-win season last year, and that's certainly not out of the question again…but doesn't it feel like that Johnson contract will be putting a season-long chokehold on Atlanta this year?
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 @ Memphis Grizzlies, 8 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 @ Philadelphia 76ers, 7 pm ET
Sat., Oct. 30 vs. Washington Wizards, 7 pm ET
10. Utah Jazz
21 of 30
2010 Record: 53-29
Key Additions: C Al Jefferson, SG Raja Bell
Key Losses: PF Carlos Boozer, SF Kyle Korver
How do you replace losing a 20-10 player like Carlos Boozer? You swindle an awful GM out of another 20-10 player—see David Kahn and Al Jefferson, respectively.
With Jefferson two years removed from a 24-10 season, the West should be trembling at the thought of a pick-and-roll between Jefferson and Utah's Deron Williams. If those two develop legitimate chemistry, the sky's the limit for Utah this season.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 @ Denver Nuggets, 9 pm ET
Thurs., Oct. 28 vs. Phoenix Suns, 10:30 pm ET
Sun., Oct. 31 @ Oklahoma City Thunder, 7 pm ET
9. San Antonio Spurs
22 of 30
2010 Record: 50-32
Key Additions: PF/C Tiago Splitter
Key Losses: SG Roger Mason
If you're going to be the sucker who counts out Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, be my guest.
Sure, the Spurs haven't made even made it to the Western Conference finals since 2007, but the infusion of youth (Splitter, George Hill and DeJuan Blair) they've received the past two years could be just what the doctor ordered for San Antonio.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 vs. Indiana Pacers, 8:30 pm ET
Sat., Oct. 30 vs. New Orleans Hornets, 8:30 pm ET
8. Portland Trail Blazers
23 of 30
2010 Record: 50-32
Key Additions: SG Wesley Matthews
Key Losses: SF Martell Webster, PF Juwan Howard
A number of NBA fans and writers have started hyping the Trail Blazers as the Western Conference team most capable of taking down the Lakers, and it's no surprise why. One look at their roster—Brandon Roy, Andre Miller, LaMarcus Aldridge, Marcus Camby and Greg Oden say hi—and you can see the seeds of an upset already percolating.
If the Blazers avoid the injury bug (so, the complete opposite of last year), L.A. will learn to fear Portland very early in the year.
This Week
Tues., Oct. 26 vs. Phoenix Suns, 10 pm ET
Weds., Oct. 27 @ Los Angeles Clippers, 10:30 pm ET
Sat., Oct. 30 @ New York Knicks, 7:30 pm ET
7. Chicago Bulls
24 of 30
2010 Record: 41-41
Key Additions: PF Carlos Boozer, SG Ronnie Brewer, SF Kyle Korver
Key Losses: SG Kirk Hinrich, PF Hakim Warrick
After serious flirtations with Dwyane Wade proved fruitless, the Chicago Bulls still managed to pull in a solid haul this summer with Boozer, Brewer and Korver. Boozer gives the Bulls a low-post scoring option they've lacked since Elton Brand; Korver and Brewer will help stretch the floor with their long-distance shooting.
If Boozer can return to the court from his broken hand by December, Chicago has to be considered the presumptive favorite for the Central Division title.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 @ Oklahoma City Thunder, 8 pm ET
Sat., Oct. 30 vs. Detroit Pistons, 8 pm ET
6. Dallas Mavericks
25 of 30
2010 Record: 55-27
Key Additions: C Tyson Chandler
Key Losses: C Erick Dampier
Another 50-win season, another first-round playoff flameout for the Mavericks last season. Now that Dirk just re-signed with Dallas for four more years, can he finally turn the tables on his NBA legacy of playoff failures?
If not, it certainly won't be because of lack of surrounding talent. With Jason Kidd, Caron Butler, Shawn Marion, Brendan Haywood and Tyson Chandler, Mark Cuban has gathered a team that's brimming with basketball ability.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 vs. Charlotte Bobcats, 8:30 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 8:30 pm ET
Sun., Oct. 31 @ Los Angeles Clippers, 3:30 pm ET
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
26 of 30
2010 Record: 50-32
Key Additions: C Cole Aldrich, SG Morris Peterson, SG Daequan Cook
Key Losses: None
Last season, Kevin Durant became the youngest scoring champion in NBA history. That's got to make you ask—what's he got up his sleeve this year for an encore?
With he and his young teammates having cut their teeth in the playoffs last season, and each of them having another full offseason of experience, the Thunder have deservedly become the darlings of the NBA. The anti-Heat, if you will.
This Week
Weds., Oct. 27 vs. Chicago Bulls, 8 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 @ Detroit Pistons, 8 pm ET
Sun., Oct. 31 vs. Utah Jazz, 7 pm ET
4. Orlando Magic
27 of 30
2010 Record: 59-23
Key Additions: PG Chris Duhon, SF Quentin Richardson
Key Losses: SF Matt Barnes
If Dwight Howard actually puts his lessons from Hakeem Olajuwon to use this upcoming season, the rest of the NBA should run in fear. Howard was already dominant enough as a defensive menace—what happens when he can reliably knock down a jump hook with either hand?
Seeing as the Magic finished two games short of an NBA championship in 2009 and six games short in 2010, we all felt compelled to keep considering Orlando as a strong favorite for the title this year.
This Week
Thurs., Oct. 28 vs. Washington Wizards, 8 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 @ Miami Heat, 8 pm ET
3. Boston Celtics
28 of 30
2010 Record: 50-32
Key Additions: C Shaquille O'Neal, C Jermaine O'Neal, SG Delonte West
Key Losses: SG Tony Allen
Despite coming up one quarter short of an NBA title last season, our FCs don't even consider the Celtics the favorites in their own conference.
Four of the five in their starting lineup—Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Shaquille O'Neal and Paul Pierce—already have spots virtually guaranteed to them in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Say what you will about age, but these oldtimers have proven time and time again that they aren't going down without a fight.
This Week
Tues., Oct. 26 vs. Miami Heat, 7:30pm ET
Weds., Oct. 27 @ Cleveland Cavaliers, 7 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 vs. New York Knicks, 7:30 pm ET
2. Miami Heat
29 of 30
2010 Record: 47-35
Key Additions: SF LeBron James, PF Chris Bosh, SG Mike Miller
Key Losses: SF Michael Beasley, C Jermaine O'Neal
Early injuries to LeBron and D-Wade have brought more questions than answers to the Heat in the preseason. Despite the infusion of talent, our writers couldn't justify ranking them over the two-time defending champs yet—not with Joel Anthony as the starting center, that's for sure.
One thing's undeniable: The James-Wade-Bosh trio is the best Big Three in all of the NBA, hands-down.
This Week
Tues., Oct. 26 @ Boston Celtics, 7:30 pm ET
Weds., Oct. 27 @ Philadelphia 76ers, 7 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 vs. Orlando Magic, 8 pm ET
Sun. Oct. 31 @ New Jersey Nets, 1 pm ET
1. Los Angeles Lakers
30 of 30
2010 Record: 57-25
Key Additions: PG Steve Blake, SF Matt Barnes
Key Losses: PG Jordan Farmar
How do you put the two-time defending champions anywhere other than the top? Oh, that's right. You don't. (Sorry, Miami fans.)
The Heat may have the new "Big Three," but the Lakers have Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Phil Jackson and a boatload of role players who have happily accepted their place on a championship team. While we should express concern about Kobe's knee and Andrew Bynum's everything, it's not enough to bump the Lakers from the top spot before the regular season even tips off.
This Week
Tues., Oct. 26 vs. Houston Rockets, 10:30 pm ET
Fri., Oct. 29 @ Phoenix Suns, 10:30 pm ET
Sun., Oct. 31 vs. Golden State Warriors, 9:30 pm ET
