NBA Power Rankings: Celtics living up to hype; 76ers are better without Harden?

Boston Celtics Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports)
Boston Celtics Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports)
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Los Angeles Lakers Gabe Vincent
Los Angeles Lakers Gabe Vincent (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

6. Los Angeles Lakers

Despite the criticism that the team and Anthony Davis faced after a somewhat embarrassing showing in the season-opener against the defending champion Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Lakers have done a great job in recovering. Overall, the Lakers are 4-2 with their only two losses being in the season opener to the Nuggets and then an overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings on the road.

Anthony Davis has responded after a disappointing second-half showing against the Nuggets on opening night. Through five games this season, AD is averaging 26 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists per game on 53 percent shooting from the field and 43 percent shooting from 3-point range.

He’s been everything the Lakers have needed from a lead man and he’s been one-half of one of the league’s most dynamic duos next to LeBron James, who continues to defy logic at the age of 38.