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League: NBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

LeBron James ranked No. 18 in ESPN’s 2026 NBA player rankings

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 26, 2026, 8:15 PM

Last updated Sep 26, 2026

LeBron James ranked No. 18 in ESPN’s 2026 NBA player rankings
Summary

LeBron James is ranked No. 18 in ESPN’s 2026 NBA player rankings, a significant drop from No. 8 last year. This marks his first time outside the top 10 in the 15-year history of NBA Rank. The 41-year-old's new role with the Philadelphia 76ers reflects projected contributions for the upcoming season, shifting from his past position with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite a successful career, James' age and missed games influenced the panel's ranking. Philadelphia signed him to a two-year, $8 million contract, placing him among stars like Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid.

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Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •James drops to No. 18, first outside top 10 in rankings history.
  • •He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists last season.
  • •Philadelphia signed him in July after eight years with the Lakers.
  • •New roster includes Maxey, Brown, and Embiid, changing his role.
  • •Ranking based on projected contributions for the 2026-27 season.
Latest Updates
  • 8:15 PMYahoo Sports — LeBron James lands in an unexpected position on ESPN’s 2026 NBA player rankings
What they're saying
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LeBron James drops to No. 18 in ESPN’s 2026 NBA rankings as age, durability, and his new Philadelphia role reshape his outlook.

Related Teams & Leagues
Los Angeles LakersPhiladelphia 76ersNBABasketball

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