Lakers ranked ninth in ESPN's power rankings for 2026-27 NBA season

The Los Angeles Lakers have been ranked ninth in ESPN's first power rankings for the 2026-27 NBA season. The team is looking to improve after winning only one playoff game with Luka Doncic since acquiring him a season and a half ago. With Doncic sidelined due to injury during the 2026 playoffs, the Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. This offseason, key players LeBron James and Austin Reaves are approaching free agency, which may significantly impact the roster moving forward. The Lakers finished the previous season with a 53-29 record, securing the third seed in the Western Conference before their early playoff exit.

• 2:01 PMYahoo Sports — Where the Lakers rank in ESPN's first 2026-27 NBA power rankings