NBA Power Rankings: Clippers make a jump; Lakers look a bit more human

NBA Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James and LA Clippers Kawhi Leonard (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
NBA Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James and LA Clippers Kawhi Leonard (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
16 of 16
NBA Milwaukee Bucks
NBA Milwaukee Bucks Wesley Matthews (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

2. LA Clippers (23-11)

After an impressive showing on Christmas Day against what many considered the best team in the NBA, it’s difficult to deny that the Clippers are the best team in the Western Conference at the moment. Even though they might not have the best record in the West, the Clippers are the best team and would be favored over any team in a playoff series right now.

If Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are healthy entering the playoffs, the Clippers are going to be a tough out for any team.

1. Milwaukee Bucks (29-5)

The Milwaukee Bucks are head and shoulders the better team in the Eastern Conference and, when they’re on top of their game, should be considered one of the best teams in the NBA. And if Giannis continues to shoot 33 percent from 3-point range, I’m not sure there’s any way you can stop this team on the offensive end.

Considering that they’re also one of the best defensive teams in the league, you can see why the Bucks are one of the most complete teams in the NBA.