Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-22 season: 10-1

PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 04: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter during the preseason game at Moda Center on October 04, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

8 of 10

NBA (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Top 50 NBA players ranked: 3. LeBron James

Previous Rank: 1

At long last, the reign of LeBron James as the best player in the league may be coming to an end. He was one of the candidates for the MVP before injuries took him out for a little too long. The Los Angeles Lakers ultimately had to play in the play-in before falling in the first round of the postseason. Now, despite entering the season as the favorites in the Conference, a couple of other players have staked their claim at was once James unassailable thrown.

Do not be mistaken. James is still one of the most dominant forces in the league. In his eighteenth season, James averaged 25.0 points, 7.8 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He was limited to just 45 games, cutting off any chances he had at recognition. IF his social media posts are any sort of harbinger, this season will be a reckoning for those who stand in his path.

One thing James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant all have in common is that the regular season is not going to define their season. All of them are playing to add to their postseason resumes. To date, James is the most complete. Unfortunately, he also has the least amount of time remaining.