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.

To recap what happened this past summer, ESPN's panel of NBA writers conducted a post-free agency power rankings. The Thunder enter at No. 1 as they spent more time celebrating their title than they did shuffling their roster.

Disappointed with a first-round exit, Houston wasted no time in addressing its need for offense by (adding) Kevin Durant.”