Lakers Nation’s series on the top 100 players in the NBA for the 2026-27 season continues with the 30s, a collection of players that would surprise no one as All-Stars, but might not be favored to make it.
This list ranks the best players in the league for the upcoming campaign only. There is no consideration for anything beyond the summer of 2027.
The following sections of the list have already been released, and we’ll continue with the top 30 as we move through August:
Nos. 31-40 on Lakers Nation’s Top 100
31. Jaren Jackson Jr., Utah Jazz
Jackson Jr. played three games for the Jazz before being shut down for the season as the team engaged in one final tanking effort, one that landed them the No. 2 overall pick and Darryn Peterson. Jackson is a two-time All-Star and three time All-NBA Defense selection that is looking to lead the Jazz to their first postseason since 2022.
32. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
The 23-year-old enters his fifth season among the most polarizing players in the league. His shooting efficiency and consistency troubles were a constant theme throughout a poor campaign for the Magic, but he also helped carry a team missing its second star for much of the season. This is a massive season for Banchero and the trajectory his career might take.
33. Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
Flagg could be an All-Star for the first time in his second campaign. He could even make the leap all the way to All-NBA. His ceiling is unlimited, coming off of a rookie campaign that saw him average 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists with positive figures in win shares, box plus-minus and VORP despite playing for a tanking Mavericks team.
34. Derrick White, Boston Celtics
White’s shooting numbers plummeted without Jayson Tatum on the floor, as his shot quality decreased and his volume increased. But he landed on the All-NBA Defensive First team, and should return to a more suitable offensive role for one of the best role players the sport has to offer.
35. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
Siakam was unable to carry the Pacers as the No. 1 option last year, although he was still named an All-Star. This year, he returns to his No. 2 role that saw him finish one game shy of becoming a two-time NBA champion.
36. Anthony Davis, Washington Wizards
It’s been over 18 months since the last time Davis was healthy and playing meaningful basketball. When he was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Mavericks, he was averaging 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds. He – alongside his team – is among the biggest unknowns of this NBA season. But no one can deny the talent and force that is a healthy Davis.
37. De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs
Recency bias will state that the Spurs are hurting their chances by retaining Fox as the max-contract starting point guard. And while his Finals performance wasn’t stellar, it’s arguable that the Spurs don’t even reach the Finals without Fox. He ranked top 50 last season in VORP, win shares and box plus-minus and was instrumental in San Antonio’s Game 7 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder
38. James Harden, Free Agent
Harden is currently an unrestricted free agent, but all signs point to a return to Cleveland, where he was traded at the deadline last season. Harden did not shoot particularly well in the postseason, but he exercised some of his postseason demons when he averaged 25.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 2.7 steals in three straight games after trailing 2-1 to the Detroit Pistons in the East Semis.
39. Jalen Duren, Free Agent
Like Harden, Duren is also not currently on an NBA roster, but will very likely end up back with his incumbent team. There is no defense for his awful postseason showing, but his regular season was simply spectacular. 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game on a NBA-best 68.8 true shooting percentage landed him on the All-NBA Third Team.
40. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
Wagner joins Banchero in the same section of this list despite an injury-riddled 2025-26 campaign. He played in 38 total games between the regular season and the playoffs, limiting him from ascending on this list despite taking some important leaps in his game between Years 4 and 5. Hopefully, a season of good health reminds everyone just how impactful Wagner can be.
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