The latest update to the NBA’s Top 100 Player Rankings dropped Tuesday afternoon, and the Los Angeles Lakers saw three of their own crack the list - including a new face at the very top of the scoring charts.
Luka Doncic lands at No. 3 overall, trailing only Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. That’s a one-spot climb for Doncic, who’s making a serious case that we haven’t even seen his peak yet. And that’s saying something.
In his first full season with the Lakers, Doncic is doing what he’s always done - score at will - but he’s doing it with even more efficiency, even without a consistent outside shot. He’s leading the league in scoring at 34.1 points per game, shooting 45.8% from the field and 32% from three.
The scary part? He’s doing all this while still developing that perimeter consistency.
Once those stepbacks start dropping with regularity, look out - we’re talking about a player who could redefine what offensive dominance looks like in the modern NBA.
Doncic has always been a paint bully with a magician’s touch in the pick-and-roll, but this version of him - with more space, more weapons, and more freedom - is starting to feel inevitable. The Lakers don’t just have a star; they might have the star.
LeBron James checks in at No. 24, sliding six spots from his previous ranking. But let’s be clear - this isn’t a sign of decline so much as a reflection of his evolving role.
LeBron missed the first 14 games of the season, and the Lakers had to learn how to operate without him. Now that he’s back, he’s playing the part of the ultimate luxury piece - a generational playmaker who can still take over when needed, but doesn’t have to carry the entire load. He’s averaging 20.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game, and he’s looked especially sharp lately, putting up 25 or more points in four of the Lakers’ last five games, including a vintage 36-point performance against the Clippers on Saturday.
At 40 years old, LeBron isn’t the engine anymore - he’s the turbocharger. And when he hits that gear, few in the league can match him, even now.
Austin Reaves rounds out the Lakers trio at No. 31, climbing one spot and continuing his breakout campaign. Reaves is putting up a career-best 27.8 points per game, shooting 50.3% from the field, and proving he’s more than just a complementary piece.
What’s jumped out this season is how seamlessly Reaves fits with just about anyone on the floor - and how the Lakers now have to think about who fits best with him. That’s a major shift in perception.
He’s no longer just a role player who makes the right reads and hits open shots. He’s a go-to scorer, a shot creator, and a guy who can swing games with his offensive versatility.
This trio - Doncic, LeBron, and Reaves - gives the Lakers a fascinating mix of generational talent, veteran savvy, and emerging star power. And if these rankings are any indication, the league is taking notice.