NBA Power Rankings: Western Conference Week 1 - LA Clippers on top as the Minnesota Timberwolves start the season in excellent form 

#4 Portland Trail Blazers - Current Record 2-1

Damian Lillard has made a strong start to the season

The Trail Blazers looked sluggish at times during their opening night defeat to the Denver Nuggets, although Damian Lillard and company have quickly recovered to move up the Western Conference.

After getting the better of the Sacramento Kings in their second game, the Trail Blazers handed Dallas a first loss of the season last night thanks to an excellent late second-half performance. The Mavericks played well for long periods, although the backcourt pairing of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum once again proved all the difference.

The newly acquired Hassan Whiteside has also looked sharp, averaging 14.7 points and 14.0 rebounds in just 26.0 minutes per contest. Additionally, Portland's bench looks better than last season, and last season's Western Conference Finalists are once again in a strong position to compete.

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#3 Los Angeles Lakers - Current Record 2-1

Dwight Howard was impressive against the Hornets

The Los Angeles Lakers' season didn't get underway as planned as they fell to a 112-102 opening night defeat to the LA Clippers at Staples Center. The performances of Anthony Davis and LeBron James were widely criticized, although the Lakers and their superstar pairing have since found form. Firstly, the Lakers restricted the Utah Jazz to just 86 points during a dominant home win before Frank Vogel's men swept aside the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night to improve to 2-1.

Through three games, LeBron James is just two rebounds shy of averaging a triple-double, while Anthony Davis has contributed 25 points while also improving his shooting percentage from three-point range. Danny Green has also made an immediate impact on a Laker team that lacked reliable wings last season, while Dwight Howard was excellent during last night's win over his former team.