Top 5 teams in the NBA right now

With the 2010-11 NBA basketball season past the halfway mark, the best teams have started differentiating themselves from the rest of the pack. Here is a list of the top five teams in the NBA right now, in my opinion.

1. Los Angeles Lakers
The defending champion Lakers are still the team to beat in the NBA. With Kobe Bryant (arguably the best player in the NBA since Michael Jordan) leading the way, the Los Angeles Lakers lead the Pacific division with 33 wins and 13 losses.

2. San Antonio Spurs
With the best record in the NBA (38-7), the San Antonio Spurs have played excellent basketball all season long. With starters and bench players contributing alike, the Spurs are one of the top 10 teams in scoring, rebounds, and assists.

3. Miami Heat
Undoubtedly the most hated team in the NBA; thanks to LeBron James, the Miami Heat have already proven their three main superstars can co-exist. Even with questions still surrounding the productivity of their bench, the only real threat to Miami are the Lakers; who happen to have an impressive big three of their own, and the Spurs who have the one thing Miami is still working on; depth. Unfortunately, only Heat fans like me are even willing to give this team their proper respect.

4. Chicago Bulls
Young and often underrated, the Chicago Bulls have been a force to be reckoned with, especially when playing at home. With wins over the Lakers, Heat and Celtics, it's about time people start giving the Bulls their proper respect. They currently lead the central division at 31-14.

5. Boston Celtics
While many have been quick to hand over the eastern conference title to the Celtics, I have not been impressed by their play. Even with their high caliber veterans and deep bench, the Celtics have lost games to lesser teams like the Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, and even the Cleveland Cavaliers! Don't get me wrong, they still have the best record in the east at 34-10; I just question their ability to stay motivated, especially in games everyone assumes they'll win.

While other teams like the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and New Orleans Hornets have also impressed me, these top teams are the most likely to succeed down the road.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for the past 15 years
 
Source:
Stats and team records from espn.com