NBA 2020-21: Ranking the best player at each position so far in the season

Small Forward: LeBron James (LA Lakers)

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Houston Rockets during a game at the Toyota Center.

LeBron James entered the NBA right out of high school and was aptly tagged as the Chosen One. It has been truly remarkable to see a man live up to all the hype. In his storied career, James has demolished record after record and is well on his way to reach G.O.A.T status by the end of his career.

James played stellar basketball in the 2020 Playoffs and earned his fourth NBA title - his first with the LA Lakers. This season, he is right where one would expect — at the top.

What makes LeBron special is his ability to make everyone around him better. James' immaculate injury record is very rare and speaks volumes about how intelligently he plays the game.

Who could forget POTUS x2 reacting to Lebron James 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/0fX3V8S1wR

— Lake Show Talk (@Lakeshowtalk) January 21, 2021

In 15 games, James is averaging 23.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.5 assists on 47.9% shooting from the floor.

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Shooting Guard: Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards)

Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards shoots a free throw in front of Jevon Carter of the Phoenix Suns.

Despite the Wizards' abysmal season record, Bradley Beal has been firing on all cylinders. He is at pace with his previous season's average of 30 points. The two-time All-Star has taken a leap in the past few seasons and has found another level to his game.

Beal has embraced the mid-range game this campaign and is reaping the benefits of the high percentage shot.

Beal has been the subject of multiple trade scenarios this season and could potentially be moved as his restricted agency is drawing closer. He could make a huge impact at one of the title contenders and perhaps become a part of another 'big three' in the association, raising the stakes league-wide.

Bradley Beal currently leads the NBA with 34.9 PPG. The Wizards are currently 3-8 🤕 pic.twitter.com/QE648cOwDQ

— DMV 🔌 (@DmvMusicPlug) January 15, 2021

In 10 games this season, Beal is averaging an impressive 34.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 49.4% shooting from the floor. He has aptly earned his nickname as the Real Deal.

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Point Guard: Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)

Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Luka Doncic has been touted as the new MVP candidate to dethrone Giannis, and the 21-year-old has lived up to those expectations at the start of the new season. The six-foot-seven-inch Slovenian can do it all, and it's scary to imagine what he will look like when he reaches his prime in the NBA.

He plays the point position but can easily match up with other positions. In Porzingis' absence due to an injury, Luka demonstrated the ability to carry the Mavericks on his shoulders. He spearheaded the franchise to a four-game winning streak - the first of many to come this season.

Updated odds to win NBA MVP 👑 +400: Luka Doncic+450: Giannis Antetokounmpo+800: Kevin Durant+1000: Steph Curry, Joel Embiid, LeBron James+1200: Nikola Jokic+1600: Anthony Davis+2000: Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum+4000: James Harden, Kawhi Leonardhttps://t.co/WbLY04Uf38 pic.twitter.com/CBkIhWawGw

— The Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) January 14, 2021

In 13 games, Luka is averaging 26.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 9.5 assists on 45% shooting from the field. A point guard averaging 10 boards a game is a testament to his superior skills that will only get better with more game experience.