ESPN has released its annual ranking of the NBA’s top 10 players heading into the 2025-26 season, and the list reflects both a changing of the guard and the continued brilliance of the old legends. While Nikola Jokic once again takes the crown as the best player in basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers stood out as the only franchise with two players featured in the top 10: Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
At No. 1, Nikola Jokic’s dominance continues to define the league. The Denver Nuggets superstar averaged a triple-double last season, carrying his team deep into the playoffs and nearly securing a fourth MVP award. His blend of size, vision, and scoring has made him virtually unstoppable, and despite increasing challenges from rising stars, Jokic’s spot at the top remains undisputed.
Right behind him is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at No. 2, who skyrocketed up the rankings after winning MVP, Finals MVP, and delivering Oklahoma City its first championship. SGA’s historic season cemented him as not just a scorer but a leader capable of turning potential into dominance.
Luka Doncic lands at No. 3, solidifying his status as one of the league’s brightest stars. Though his first season in Los Angeles ended in disappointment with a first-round playoff exit, Luka has undergone a major transformation over the summer.
Reports of weight loss, a revamped training routine, and renewed focus have Lakers fans buzzing. After signing a three-year extension and pushing for acquisitions like Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, Doncic looks determined to write his legacy in purple and gold.
At No. 8, LeBron James continues to defy time. Entering his 23rd year in the league at the age of 40, LeBron is still considered one of the 10 best players alive. Few athletes in history have remained elite for this long, and his presence alongside Doncic makes the Lakers the only team with multiple players in ESPN’s top 10. For Los Angeles, the pairing of LeBron’s wisdom and Luka’s prime is a rare luxury.
Giannis Antetokounmpo takes the No. 4 spot. Despite a turbulent year for the Milwaukee Bucks and ongoing questions about his long-term future with the team, Giannis remains a force of nature. His consistency on both ends of the floor keeps him among the league’s elite.
Victor Wembanyama cracks the top five in just his third season. Although injuries cut his year short by February, the 21-year-old phenom showed enough to earn recognition as arguably the best defensive player in the league already. His two-way potential and age make him the face of the NBA’s future.
Anthony Edwards comes in at No. 6 after leading Minnesota to another Western Conference Finals run. His rise mirrors his confidence, and many believe Ant could soon leap into the top three if he continues his trajectory.
Stephen Curry (No. 7) and Kevin Durant (No. 9) remain among the best despite advancing age. Curry, now 37, continues to terrify defenses with his shooting, while Durant, beginning a new chapter with the Houston Rockets, is still capable of delivering elite scoring.
Rounding out the list is Jalen Brunson at No. 10. The Knicks guard has elevated himself into superstar status after leading New York to the Eastern Conference Finals. His growth from steady floor general to franchise cornerstone has made him one of the most respected guards in the league.
This year’s rankings highlight a league at a crossroads. Jokic, SGA, Luka, Giannis, and Wembanyama represent the new era, while LeBron, Curry, and Durant remain standing as legends still shaping the game. For the Lakers, having both LeBron and Luka in the top 10 underscores their unique position: one eye on the present, one on the future.
