Who’s the best of the best in the NBA West?

BEST PLAYERS

1. LeBron James, Lakers

Despite 3-5 record in NBA Finals, he has elevated subpar teams to elite level and is in conversation as great- est-ever with Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell.

2. Kevin Durant, Warriors

Durant’s critics fault him for deserting Thunder to join stacked Warriors, but two straight Finals MVP performances underline how he turned them into a dynasty.

3. James Harden, Rockets

There’s no doubt Harden earned MVP last season with 30.4 points, 8.8 assists and 5.4 rebounds. Rockets were up 3-2 in West before PG Chris Paul was injured.

4. Russell Westbrook, Thunder

Enjoyed second straight triple-double season, averaging 25.4 points, 10.1 rebounds and 10.4 assists. He’s only reason Thunder are Western Conference power.

5. Anthony Davis, Pelicans

Davis averaged 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and NBA-best 2.6 blocks per game. He took Pelicans to playoffs even after DeMarcus Cousins was injured.

BEST SHOOTERS

1. Buddy Hield, Sacramento

2. Joe Ingles, Utah

3. Clint Capela, Houston

4. E’Twaun Moore, New Orleans

5. Steph Curry, Golden State

BEST REBOUNDERS

1. DeAndre Jordan, Dallas

2. DeMarcus Cousins, Golden St.

3. Karl Anthony-Towns, Minnesota

4. Anthony Davis, New Orleans

5. Rudy Gobert, Utah

BEST DEFENDERS

1. Rudy Gobert, Utah

2. Anthony Davis, New Orleans

3. Jrue Holiday, New Orleans

4. Draymond Green, Golden State

5. Jimmy Butler, Minnesota

BEST PASSERS

1. Russell Westbrook, Okla. City

2. LeBron James, LA Lakers

3. James Harden, Houston

4. Rajon Rondo, LA Lakers

5. Chris Paul, Houston

BEST OFF BENCH

1. Lou Williams, LA Clippers

2. Eric Gordon, Houston

3. Will Barton, Denver

4. Kyle Kuzma, LA Lakers

5. J.J. Barea, Dallas

BEST ROOKIES

1. DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix

2. Marvin Bagley, Sacramento

3. Luka Doncic, Dallas

4. Michael Porter Jr., Denver

5. Grayson Allen, Utah

By Greg Logan

Gregory.Logan@newsday.comGregLogan1

Greg Logan has worked for Newsday since 1982 covering a wide array of sports and events, currently including the Brooklyn Nets beat.