The NBA season is in full swing, and with it comes the return of Nick Wright’s Tiers—his famous rankings that have become a staple of the basketball discussion on First Things First. This week, the conversation was centered around the Los Angeles Lakers, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, as Nick assessed where each team stands in relation to the rest of the league. With the playoffs looming, Nick’s insights are crucial for fans trying to get a sense of which teams can truly contend for a championship and which ones are still a step away.

In a jam-packed segment, Nick Wright broke down the key developments and shifting dynamics of the league, making the case for how certain teams could rise or fall depending on the state of their rosters and current performances. Here’s what we learned from this latest edition of Nick’s Tiers.

Lakers: A Finals Contender “If Healthy”

The Los Angeles Lakers are a team that always seems to be in the championship conversation, and for good reason. With LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and a revamped roster, they have all the ingredients to win it all—but there’s one massive caveat: health. As Nick Wright emphasized, the Lakers are a finals contender “if healthy”, but that’s a big if.

The team has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons, and while they’ve made deep playoff runs in the past, they’ve often done so with key players banged up. In his breakdown, Nick noted that the Lakers’ fate will largely depend on the availability of LeBron and AD, and how well their supporting cast, including new additions like D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, can step up in big moments.

Key Points from Nick’s Analysis:

LeBron James remains a force, but at 40 years old, his health is more fragile than ever. The Lakers need him to be at full strength if they are going to make another championship push.

Anthony Davis has shown glimpses of being one of the best players in the league, but his injury history remains a concern. If Davis stays healthy and plays at an MVP-caliber level, the Lakers will be tough to beat.

Depth and Surrounding Talent: The Lakers have revamped their roster around their two stars. Players like Austin Reaves, Vanderbilt, and Schroder can provide crucial support, but they’ll need to play consistently to offset the heavy burden on LeBron and AD.

Defensive Identity: One area where the Lakers shine is their defense, and with Davis anchoring the paint, they are one of the toughest teams in the league defensively. This could be the difference-maker in a playoff series against other elite teams like the Warriors or Nuggets.

Nick acknowledged that while the Lakers have a shot at making a deep playoff run, it’s all about the health of their two stars. “If LeBron and AD are healthy in the postseason,” Nick said, “this team can absolutely win the Finals. But that’s a huge question mark.”

Cavs: A Steady Rise to Contention

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the most impressive teams to watch this season, and Nick believes they are on the right trajectory. With Darius Garland and Evan Mobley leading the charge, the Cavs are a young, hungry team that’s starting to make noise in the Eastern Conference.

In Nick’s Tiers, the Cavs made a notable climb, moving up as a serious contender. Nick pointed to the development of Donovan Mitchell, who has quickly become a top-tier scorer and leader for this team, as the key to Cleveland’s growth. The Cavs are strong on both ends of the floor, with an elite defense that is anchored by Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the paint, as well as an offense that can create opportunities with Garland and Mitchell in the backcourt.

Key Points from Nick’s Analysis:

Donovan Mitchell has been everything the Cavs could’ve hoped for when they traded for him. His scoring ability is undeniable, and he’s shown the leadership needed to take Cleveland to the next level.
Evan Mobley is developing into one of the best young bigs in the game, and his defense is elite. He can guard multiple positions, and his ability to stretch the floor adds a unique dimension to Cleveland’s offense.
Team Chemistry: The Cavs have found a solid balance between veterans and young stars. With Garland running the offense and Mitchell taking on the scoring load, they have the pieces to make a serious playoff push.
Eastern Conference Competition: While Cleveland is on the rise, Nick pointed out that they’re still a few steps behind the likes of the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, but they’re closing the gap quickly. With the right development, this team could make a deep playoff run sooner rather than later.

For Nick, the biggest factor in Cleveland’s rise is the way they’ve blended youth and experience. “The Cavs have a bright future ahead,” Nick said. “They’re not quite at the elite level of the Celtics or Bucks just yet, but they are definitely knocking on the door.”

Oklahoma City Thunder: A Team on the Up

The Oklahoma City Thunder might not be the first team you think of when you consider title contenders, but Nick Wright is bullish on their future. OKC has a roster full of young talent, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is emerging as one of the most complete players in the league.

In his Tiers, Nick moved the Thunder up significantly, positioning them as a team on the rise with a legitimate shot to make noise in the West. The Thunder are building something special, and with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, they could become a problem for teams in the postseason over the next few years.

Key Points from Nick’s Analysis:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a bona fide superstar, and he continues to impress with his ability to score, facilitate, and defend. His offensive versatility allows OKC to compete against top-tier teams.
Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren are also emerging as key pieces for the Thunder’s future. Giddey’s playmaking and Holmgren’s defense and scoring ability give the team a well-rounded core.
Young and Hungry: The Thunder’s youth gives them an edge in terms of energy and excitement. They’re playing with a chip on their shoulder and are hungry to prove they belong in the playoff picture.
Future Playoff Threats: While they may not be ready to make a deep playoff run this season, the Thunder are setting themselves up to be a serious contender in the coming years. If the right pieces continue to develop, OKC could be a powerhouse in the West.

Nick noted that while the Thunder are still a couple of years away from truly contending for a title, their growth has been impressive. “OKC might not win it all this season, but they’re a team that’s going to be a serious threat for years to come,” Nick said. “Shai is an All-NBA talent, and this team is just getting started.”

Conclusion: Contenders and Teams on the Rise

As the season progresses, the NBA landscape continues to shift, and teams like the Lakers, Cavs, and Thunder are positioning themselves to make a push for the playoffs and beyond.

The Lakers are a top contender, but their success is contingent on the health of LeBron and AD.
The Cavs are steadily climbing the ranks in the East, with the potential to challenge for a deep playoff run.
The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are emerging as a team to watch, setting themselves up for future contention.

Nick Wright’s Tiers remind us that while the Celtics and Bucks still reign supreme at the top, there are plenty of teams knocking on the door, eager to make their mark. Whether it’s the Lakers’ veterans, the Cavs’ young stars, or the Thunder’s up-and-coming talent, the race for the NBA Finals is as exciting as ever.