Lakers, Nuggets and Spurs Draw Differing Outlooks in ESPN Future Rankings
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ESPN’s latest NBA Future Power Rankings, released this week, paint markedly different long-term pictures for three Western Conference franchises.
Lakers Leap Fueled by Doncic Deal
The Los Angeles Lakers climbed 13 places in the overall standings after acquiring Luka Doncic in a February trade and signing the All-NBA guard to an extension in August. The combination of Doncic’s star power, the Los Angeles market and sizable cap space projected over the next two off-seasons helped offset uncertainty surrounding LeBron James’ remaining time in purple and gold.
Nuggets Rely on Jokic but Face Warning Signs
Denver landed fourth in the “players” category, a nod to two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and a roster that pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games in last year’s playoffs. ESPN, however, rated the Nuggets below average in coaching, front-office stability, salary-cap flexibility, and future draft capital—factors that could limit the club’s ability to chase another title in the short term.
Spurs Hold Steady at No. 10
San Antonio secured the 10th spot overall. Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama headlines a lineup bolstered by back-to-back top-five picks Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle, plus guard De’Aaron Fox, obtained in a February trade. While the Spurs did not crack the top five in any single category, they avoided falling below 16th in every metric, signaling balanced growth and depth.
Source: Hoops Wire
