LeBron still looking unstoppable: NBA's Western Conference grade rankings Week 1

We have already completed one week in the hectic NBA calendar, with every team aiming to make the best start possible to set themselves up for the rest of the season.

Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks have played three games this season, beating San Antonio and Utah and losing to the Phoenix Suns. New addition Klay Thompson looks a real three-point threat after a bad end to his time at Golden State. Doncic also looks to have picked up from last season, averaging 27.7 points in the first three games.

The Denver Nuggets have had a bad start to the NBA season, losing their opening two games to the Oklahoma City Thunder and the LA Clippers before beating Toronto in overtime. In the first two games, the Nuggets ranked last in PPG (95.5), so Denver's offense needs some tidying up if they are to challenge for the NBA title.

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The new-look Golden State Warriors without Klay Thompson have shown some early signs of solid basketball. The Warriors rank first in rebounds and assists per game and third in points per game. Without Thompson, the Warriors are playing selfless basketball and have won two of the first three games. Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and Buddy Hield have all averaged over 18 points.

The young Houston Rockets have opened the campaign with two and two losses, beating Memphis and San Antonio and losing in close games with Charlotte and San Antonio. Guard Jalen Green (28.8PPG) looks like an absolute superstar with highlight reel dunks and shooting the lights out of the ball. This young Rockets team needs more time to settle.

After losing to Phoenix, the LA Clippers have found their groove without Kawhi Leonard, beating the Nuggets and the Warriors in the last two. The Clippers have the sixth-best defense in the league, and with James Harden (25 PPG) leading the way, they look well-balanced and could be a threat this season.

Under new coach JJ Redick, the LA Lakers look like a transformed team. They won the opening three games but lost to Phoenix in the last game. Anthony Davis and LeBron James look unstoppable, and Redick has found ways to get the big men the ball at the basket. The team could be in contention come April.

The Memphis Grizzlies have proved before that they are a different team when Ja Morant is available. They have started with two wins in four. The Grizzlies rank first in assists per game (31.8) and fourth in PPG (120.3). Rookie Zach Edey has been a big presence on the boards, and Morant has averaged 20.7 points, leading the team.

Last year's Conference finalists are still adjusting to losing Karl Anthony Towns, but new addition Julius Randle (24.3PPG) looks to be quickly settling in. Minnesota has won two of the first three games, and depth doesn't look like an issue with the addition of Donte DiVincenzo. Star Anthony Edwards is still leading the way with 27.7 points per game.

The New Orleans Pelicans have also won two of the first three games, and their new-look offense, with the addition of Dejounte Murray, has early signs of looking incredible. Five of the Pelicans' players are averaging over ten points per game, creating threats from all over. CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram lead the way, averaging over 22 points each.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder have improved since their incredible season last year, winning their opening three games against Denver, Chicago, and Atlanta. The Thunder rank first in opposition points against (95.3), and Chet Holmgren looks to be having a breakout year. Starman Shai Gilgeous Alexander still looks like an MVP, averaging 28.7 PPG.

The Phoenix Suns have won three of their first four games, beating the Clippers, Lakers, and the Mavericks. Last season, the Suns struggled to find rhythm in their offense due to injuries, but this season, with Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker all healthy, the Suns have shown early signs of being a championship contender.

The Portland Trail Blazers have started the campaign with one win in four games, but the defense still seems to need fixing after conceding 140 to the Warriors on opening night. The Trailblazers are still rebuilding after losing Dame Lillard, but Jerami Grant (26 PPG), Anfernee Simons (22 PPG), and Scoot Henderson (15.3 PPG) have shown they can take the franchise forward.

The Sacramento Kings have gotten off to an unlucky start in the opening week, losing their opening two games to the Lakers and the Timberwolves before beating Portland. The Kings have the ninth-worst OPPG in the league (115.3), and if they tidy up their defense, their stars, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis, will help them rack up some wins.

The exciting new partnership of Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama is in its early fruition, but early signs suggest it could be exhilarating. The Spurs have won one and lost two after losing to the Rockets last time. Paul is leading the Spurs in assists (6.7 per game), while Wembanyama looks incredible, averaging 20 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks.

The Utah Jazz haven't had the best start this season, losing their opening three games and conceding 124 and 126 points in the first two. They rank 30th in PPG and 27th in OPPG, leaving them plenty to work on in the coming weeks if they are to move up the standings.

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