USA Today slots LeBron James in surprise ranking spot

Preseason list sets order ahead of upcoming season

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 6h1 min read

We revealed our rankings of the top 100 NBA players ahead of the 2026-27 season, and even our panelists were surprised w Via @usatodaysports on X

What happened: The NBA ranking comes from USA Today. Panelists who voted called his placement unexpected.

Why it matters: Preseason orders shape camp expectations for veteran roles. The placement fuels debate over longevity at the top.

What to watch: Camp openings will show how the order holds once play begins.

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