NBA Mayhem: Warriors Surge, Lakers Stumble, and the Tanking Race Heats Up
The NBA’s “silly season” seems to be kicking in earlier than usual this year. In past seasons, teams looking to secure a high draft pick would start fielding their end-of-the-bench guys toward the end of March. But with the 2025 draft class featuring multiple potential franchise-altering prospects, the race to the bottom has started even sooner. As a result, we’re already seeing names like A.J. Lawson, Johnny Juzang, and DaQuan Jeffries getting extended minutes and putting up big numbers.
This unfortunate reality impacts teams still battling for playoff positioning, as their remaining schedule could be significantly easier or harder depending on how many “tanking” teams they face. Until the NBA changes its lottery system to remove the incentive for losing, this trend will likely continue.
One team that doesn’t seem to be affected by anything at the moment is the Golden State Warriors. Since acquiring Jimmy Butler, they’ve gone an impressive 12-1, quickly climbing the standings and making their way into the top 10 of the Power Rankings. Butler’s impact isn’t coming from high-scoring nights—rather, his defensive intensity and leadership have transformed the Warriors into a well-oiled machine. With him in the lineup, Golden State now boasts the NBA’s third-best defense and fifth-best offense.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Los Angeles Lakers have hit a rough patch after LeBron James suffered a groin injury. His developing chemistry with Luka Dončić had been a bright spot, but his absence now puts the Lakers in a precarious position in the crowded Western Conference race. With teams like the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, and Houston Rockets all vying for top seeds, any extended losing streak could drop the Lakers from the No. 2 spot to No. 5 in a hurry.
At the top of the rankings, things remain stable. The Cleveland Cavaliers continue their dominant run as the No. 1 team, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics. The Grizzlies were this week’s biggest risers, jumping three spots to No. 4.
As the season winds down, the battle for playoff positioning—and the race to the bottom—will only intensify.
