Lakers Surge to Second in Power Rankings Behind Doncic’s Historic Start

Luka Doncic is averaging 39.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game to lead the 10-2 Los Angeles Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers have reached a 10-2 record to open the 2026-27 season, fueled by Luka Doncic averaging 39.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. According to ESPN’s latest Power Rankings, the Lakers sit at No. 2, trailing only the San Antonio Spurs, who hold a 9-2 record. Center Walker Kessler has started all 12 games for Los Angeles, averaging a career-high 14.9 points on 69.1% shooting alongside 10.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.

The San Antonio Spurs moved from fifth to first in the rankings behind rookie center Tarris Reed Jr., the 26th overall pick. While Reed Jr. averages 5.3 minutes, the team has surged to the top of the Western Conference ahead of a Nov. 11 matchup against Chicago. In the East, the 9-3 Philadelphia 76ers occupy the fourth spot, led by newcomer Jaylen Brown, who recently recorded 30 points against Detroit and 29 against the Chicago Bulls.

Other significant moves include the Oklahoma City Thunder (8-3) rising to third. Rookie Aday Mara ranks fifth in the NBA with 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 62.5% from the field. The Boston Celtics (9-2) follow at fifth, with Paul George setting a franchise debut record of 38 points. In Minnesota, LaMelo Ball has kept the Timberwolves' offense in the top 10 despite Anthony Edwards undergoing knee surgery.

Veteran acquisitions are also impacting the standings. Giannis Antetokounmpo has appeared in all 10 games for the Miami Heat, averaging a career-high 3.7 offensive rebounds. In Washington, Anthony Davis is averaging 25.7 points and 9.7 rebounds, though the Wizards are 0-2 in games he has missed. The Golden State Warriors sit at ninth with an 8-3 record, supported by rookie Yaxel Lendeborg’s 21.4 points per game.