15 October 2023 , 14:09
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LeBron James has officially been ranked as a top 10 player in the NBA despite him now being the eldest player in the league.
The Los Angeles Lakers star is heading into his 21st season in the league, but remains playing at a high level - averaging 28 points, eight rebounds and seven rebounds. James has ranked as the ninth best player in the league, with his Lakers teammate, Anthony Davis, coming in at 10th after an impressive season with the team going to the western conference finals.
Elsewhere, Joel Embiid has ranked just third on the list, despite his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers, after his incredible season averaging 33 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
The top honour has fallen to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo - who can expect his team to be boosted after acquiring Damian Lillard in a trade earlier this month.
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The newest entry into the top 10 is Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, after he had an All-Star season - developing into a superstar.
Boston Celtics' small forward Jayson Tatum remains in the list, after seeing his teammate Jaylen Brown become the recipient of the most expensive contract in NBA history earlier this summer - something he will likely receive next summer.
A number of names who have just missed the top 10 include Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks) and Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers).
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been named as the league's top playerBoth LA Clippers stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have ranked outside the top 15, with both struggling with injuries in the last few seasons.
Here is ESPN's top 10 list ranked ahead of the new season, which is set to get underway on October 24.
ESPN's Top 10 NBA players
1) Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
2) Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
3) Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
4) Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
5) Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
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6) Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
7) Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns)
8) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
9) LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
10) Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)