The NBA: Today's Best Starting 5

This NBA lockout really is leaving everything in doubt right now. When the season will start, if it even will and what this all means really are questions that only the basketball gods or "powers that be" know. So with all that in doubt, let's ask a question about the NBA that really can be answered.

What is the best starting five today? If a 'World All-Star' team really was about to take to the court today, who would play and why? There are still legends of this game playing, but some are past their prime. For others, however, it's their time. So who makes the cut and who's up for debate? Read on to take a look at the real "dream team" of today. Play ball.

Honarable Mention

How is a "today's best" list even going to forget about last years MVPs?. Dirk Nowitzki really did own the league last year and although he just misses the final roster this time, here's thinking winning an NBA championship ring is all he needs.

Just like MVP winner Derrick Rose, who really is the next best, great player in the league, but is beaten to the quarterback position by a guy considered more of a "true" point guard.

Another next great star, Kevin Durant, should be the poster boy of this league and on this team; he's just got two guys ahead of him.

That's not to forget Carmelo Anthony, who is still one of the leading lights in this league.

Or Tim Duncan, who is nowhere near the downward spiral of his career and when it's all said and done will go down as the greatest power forward of all time.

At least these guys make for one hell of a bench.

Centre-Dwight Howard

He has the biggest smile and personality in the league today. He dons Superman capes for dunk contests, sings at the free throw line, dances and jokes at every opportunity and he's even had cameos in movies and released an album. The Shaq parallels are huge, and just like the most dominant ever, Dwight Howard must be taken seriously. He ain't no joke. Don't let the warm persona fool you; Howard's a cold competitor.

He's still the best physical specimen in the league, with two-handers, put backs and rebounds for days and games. Okay, he isn't as good as they say...he's better. His Orlando Magic team is a true contender and not a Disneyland, Mickey Mouse act.

He may have talent around him, but it all starts and ends with him. He may act like his jersey size, but his game goes beyond his years as he matures and morphs into a Shaq/Bill Russell hybrid. Besides 'Fast Don't Lie', so save the talk. Howard's going to sing.

Power Forward-Amar'e Stoudemire

It didn't look great for this power player years back...literally. One eye operation and a couple of knees up beforehand, this guy was spending more time on x-ray boards than low post ones. Still, that's a thing of the past now, as Amare Stoudemire has braced up and is now rocking goggles that make him look like the T-Horace Grant 1000.

It all looked the same for the New York Knicks last year. Once again, Madison Square Garden looked like the 'crapper' of basketball but then the Knicks upped their stats. Stoudemire looks like the old him, power dunking, power blocking, power boarding and power steering his way back to greatness. It's the kind of plays that make Michael Olowakandi posters.

It's the kind of performances that make good on the promise to make Knick basketball relevant again. It's the kind of power that makes the new Mecca of MSG fans say "LeBron who?" and "welcome Carmelo". That's Amare!

Small Forward-LeBron James

The king of the NBA by royal appointment of David Stern, this guy is the commissioner of the future. Still, some threw rocks at the throne (or the billboard), but they'd better keep watching it. From Cleveland to Miami, LeBron James witnessed a change in his status from love to hate. Still, one thing didn't change about the guy as he switched teams: his brilliant all-around play.

The swingman furthered the development of his all-around game. The player who can play point but also has the power of a forward muscled his way to greatness with more classic NBA moments. In another moment of televised decision, love it or loathe it, the 'Bron showed how dominant he really is; now he just needs that championship to prove just how far he can go.

The elusive ring is not too far out his grasp; he got pretty far last season. How can one man have so much power? Because he's the king.

Shooting Guard-Kobe Bryant

The greatest player in the league right now—palms on the ball down—need we point to anyone else in this position? Like the game, it's his.

Leading his Los Angeles Lakers to a second straight NBA championship in 2010, Kobe Bryant once again cemented his status as the best in the NBA, furthering his legend as one of the best ever to do it. Sure, Kobe had a lot more help than usual, but still, No. 24 looked more and more like No. 23 in his dominance of the game.

Kobe put on his fifth championship ring (one less than Jordan) but he couldn't even fit it on his swollen finger. Still, today Kobe doesn't just carry his team, he carries injury after injury as he plays through the pain en route to comfortable victories. 

Yes, Dirk and Dallas took his crown and throne, but don't doubt that Kobe will be back to "ring" the changes. Once the lockout and vacation end, Kobe will make his way back to his pernament home in the playoffs. Where else can you put the best but No. 1? Said and done!

Point Guard-Rajon Rondo

Critics for years have been talking about who's the best point guard in the league, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose or Steve Nash. Water cooler experts have been talking about the importance of the Boston Celtics' big three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.

Still, over the last two years, the name "Rajon Rondo" has gone through the NBA's four P's: potential, promise, prominence and power. The former raw backup, given the reigns of a championship squad, is now the team's centerpiece.

As "Jesus", "Da Kid" and "The Truth" age, Rondo just keeps getting better and better and more like the team's franchise player. He can score, dish, provide D and has as much savvy as an off-court baller, but on the floor, Rondo shines instead of shimmering. Get the point?

No? Well, put it this way, the name "Rajon Rondo" belongs in critics' and water cooler experts' guarded debate, whether in the mix or right there on top, like his Celtics could still be. Don't rule anything out, this guy is headband and shoulders above the rest, even without the sweatband and with Derrick Rose. This guy's in bloom. 

Sixth Man-Dwyane Wade

D. Wade came a long way from being taken off the floor in a wheelchair the season before last, and we're talking about more than the All-Star MVP award in 2009. This year, Wade has been one of the best players you could have on your franchise, in more ways than one.

Not only has Wade's world been a place that makes acrobatic, difficult and clutch shots again and again, it's also been one of the best destinations for basketball.

Dwyane once again became the league's best general as he dominated the floor for his Miami Heat squad and also rallied in some troops of real strong company. Things where looking promising in Miami, then in a flash, things where fulfilled with a bang. LeBron James and Chris Bosh took their talents to South Beach.

There has been more than enough talk, opinion and hate about this superteam, but as the voltron formed, critics and fans alike forgot to recognise one thing. Wade may just be the best recruiter there is. Wade and his boys almost had the final word too. Next year, they'll just have to show the NBA that they're the real mavericks.