ESPN predicts the END OF THE WORLD: Lakers DISASTER, Warriors unexpectedly dominate
ESPN’s newly released 2025–26 NBA Power Rankings have sparked plenty of debate across the league, with the Oklahoma City Thunder expectedly taking the top spot after their dominant championship run. However, the real shocker isn’t at the top, it’s how far the Los Angeles Lakers have fallen.
Despite boasting two top-10 superstars in Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the Lakers find themselves ranked 10th, behind teams like the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic, raising eyebrows throughout the NBA community.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Houston Rockets
3. Denver Nuggets
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
5. New York Knicks
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
7. Los Angeles Clippers
8. Orlando Magic
9. Golden State Warriors
10. Los Angeles Lakers
11. Detroit Pistons
12. Atlanta Hawks
13. Dallas Mavericks
14. Milwaukee Bucks
15. Memphis Grizzlies
16. San Antonio Spurs
17. Boston Celtics
18. Philadelphia 76ers
19. Miami Heat
20. Indiana Pacers
21. Portland Trail Blazers
22. Sacramento Kings
23. Chicago Bulls
24. Toronto Raptors
25. Phoenix Suns
26. New Orleans Pelicans
27. Charlotte Hornets
28. Brooklyn Nets
29. Washington Wizards
30. Utah Jazz
The Thunder’s place at No. 1 comes as no surprise. Fresh off their first NBA title with a young, elite core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder not only retained their nucleus but locked them all into long-term deals.
Their offseason wasn’t flashy, but it didn’t need to be, stability and development are the focus. With strong coaching, front office consistency, and elite talent, Oklahoma City looks poised to start a dynasty.
Surprisingly, the Houston Rockets have skyrocketed to No. 2, thanks to a flurry of blockbuster moves. The Rockets pulled off the biggest trade of the summer by acquiring Kevin Durant while adding defensive stalwart Dorian Finney-Smith and veteran big man Clint Capela.
They also re-signed Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and Jabari Smith Jr. to team-friendly deals. This mix of superstar talent, veteran grit, and promising youth has vaulted Houston into title contention and made them a legitimate threat to dethrone OKC.
The Denver Nuggets sit comfortably at No. 3, remaining dangerous even after a disappointing playoff exit last season. Denver traded away Michael Porter Jr. and brought in Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas.
These additions help deepen their rotation and add more defensive versatility and shot creation alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. With better depth and improved balance, the Nuggets are ready to bounce back.
Cleveland comes in at No. 4, despite their letdown in last season’s playoffs. The Cavaliers still have one of the best young cores in basketball with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley, and they return with a chip on their shoulder. If they can put it all together when it matters most, Cleveland remains a terrifying matchup in the Eastern Conference.
At No. 5 are the New York Knicks, who are riding high after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. With new head coach Mike Brown taking the reins, expectations are sky-high. Their gritty identity, led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, remains intact, and their deep rotation gives them every chance to contend for the Finals in 2026.
The Minnesota Timberwolves follow at No. 6, coming off back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances. They managed to retain both Julius Randle and Naz Reid, but the loss of Nickeil Alexander-Walker might sting. Still, with Anthony Edwards entering his prime and the team’s chemistry at an all-time high, Minnesota is in the thick of contention.
At No. 7 are the revamped Los Angeles Clippers. With James Harden re-signed and a massive veteran influx including Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, Brook Lopez, and John Collins, the Clippers are taking one last all-in swing. They might be the oldest team in the league, but talent and experience are on their side. If health holds, the franchise could finally capture its first championship.
Perhaps the most surprising leap is the Orlando Magic at No. 8. Trading for Desmond Bane signaled that they’re no longer just building for the future; they’re ready to compete now. After being decimated by injuries last season, a healthy Magic squad featuring Bane, Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and a strong supporting cast could turn serious heads.
The Golden State Warriors are at No. 9. Their ranking is a vote of confidence in continuity. Last season’s playoff run was derailed by Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury, but with Curry healthy, Jimmy Butler still playing elite two-way basketball, and Draymond Green anchoring the defense, they are once again a dangerous playoff team.
However, uncertainty looms with Jonathan Kuminga reportedly rejecting extension offers and possibly seeking a move. That could open the door for some key veteran additions, which may decide how far the Warriors go.
Then come the Los Angeles Lakers, ranked 10th, a puzzling decision considering their star power. With Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the Lakers arguably have the most dangerous duo in the league. They addressed their glaring hole at the center position this offseason, and Luka’s offseason transformation has been the talk of the league.
Yet, ESPN’s ranking reflects concerns about internal uncertainty. LeBron trade rumors continue to swirl, and the front office’s hesitance to go all-in this offseason may have hurt them in the power rankings. Still, the Lakers are one of the most dangerous sleeper contenders entering the year, and if they flip the switch late in the season, they could easily surpass half the teams ahead of them.
At No. 11, the Detroit Pistons emerge as one of the most promising young teams in the East. Their first-round battle with the Knicks proved they belong in the playoff picture. Cade Cunningham’s rise is real, and Detroit’s tough, defensive-minded identity gives them a solid foundation moving forward.
The Atlanta Hawks come in at No. 12 after an aggressive offseason. They landed Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, while allowing some older players to move on. With Trae Young still orchestrating the offense and a revamped supporting cast, the Hawks are pushing for a deeper playoff run.
The Dallas Mavericks sit at No. 13, still recovering from last season’s Luka Doncic trade shock. Anthony Davis remains their centerpiece now, and adding No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg gives them a massive boost for the future. Kyrie Irving’s potential return from injury later this season adds intrigue, and if all the pieces come together, Dallas might surprise a lot of people.
Milwaukee’s drop to No. 14 reflects the franchise’s post-Lillard pivot. After waiving and stretching Damian Lillard’s contract, they added Myles Turner. But with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future unclear and depth a concern, it’s hard to see them as contenders right now.
The rankings then continue with the Grizzlies at 15, the Spurs at 16, and the Celtics, shockingly low at 17. Injuries, roster transitions, or disappointing playoff finishes played a role in those placements. The Sixers (18), Heat (19), and Pacers (20) round out a tier of teams trying to rediscover their identity.
As we go down the list, Kings (22), Bulls (23), and Raptors (24) are clearly in transitional phases. Suns’ shocking fall to 25th shows how quickly a top-heavy roster can collapse.
The Pelicans (26), Hornets (27), and Nets (28) look directionless, while the Wizards (29) and Jazz (30) bring up the rear as teams in full rebuild.
In the end, ESPN’s latest rankings reflect a blend of off-season aggression, roster depth, and perceived cohesion. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that power rankings rarely survive the chaos of an NBA season.
And if the Lakers or any team outside the top five hit their stride at the right moment, the order will look very different come April.
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