NBA power rankings: Are the Sixers contenders right now?

NBA power rankings — Lakers, Sixers, Hornets

• 12. Los Angeles Lakers (2-3)

The jury on the Westbrook trade is still out, but the Lakers’ star trio is a funky fit. It has also left the bench in a depleted state, with a bunch of veterans who wouldn’t receive half as much playing time on any other NBA team. The Lakers still have the DNA of a contender — Anthony Davis looks much better this season, and LeBron James is LeBron James — but there are more holes in the roster than ever, and this is a team that just got bounced in the first round.

• 11. Philadelphia 76ers (3-2)

The Sixers have perhaps the most deflating 3-2 record possible. The team just doesn’t look right, offensively or defensively, in the absence of Ben Simmons, and there’s no resolution in sight as Simmons works on his mental state off the court. Joel Embiid has been dealing with knee soreness too, and the lack of real guard depth is a problem. The hope is that Shake Milton’s return will smooth things over, but… don’t count on it. Philly has beaten three very bad teams, and lost rather embarrassingly to two contenders. Not the best start imaginable.

• 10. Charlotte Hornets (4-1)

The Hornets’ only loss was in overtime to the Celtics in Jayson Tatum’s best game of the season. It has been a raucous start to the year for Charlotte, with LaMelo Ball exceeding expectations already and Miles Bridges taking a sudden and unexpected leap. James Borrego is one of the NBA’s most underrated coaches, and the Hornets will only get deeper once P.J. Washington and Terry Rozier return. This is an explosive offensive group, and there’s reason to believe this hot start is more than a flash in the pan.