LeBron, Embiid Lead NBA's Top Starting Five

The 2026-27 season is barely underway, but the projected starting lineups are already taking shape. Philadelphia tops the list with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Joel Embiid. Oklahoma City lands second, New York is third, and San Antonio, Denver and Cleveland are right behind them. The Sixers have the most star power, but health and fit will decide if it works. Embiid has played 96 games over the last three seasons, and LeBron turns 42 in December. The Thunder have the best chemistry on paper, while the Knicks return a championship core led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.