Miami Heat’s P.J. Tucker displays three fingers after hitting a 3-point shot against the Boston Celtics during the first half on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021. (Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun Sentinel/TNS)
NBA's 75th season: 5 storylines to follow as the season begins
3. Can Lakers win it all?
According to 80% of NBA executives polled during an NBA.com survey, the Lakers will reach the NBA Finals before losing to the just-as-talented Brooklyn Nets.
For the Lakers, it'll be about making it fit on a deep roster, keeping egos in check and playing better defense than most pundits think they can.
They have 11 new players on their 14-man roster, with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Talen Horton-Tucker returning.
They've added the dynamic Russell Westbrook, with many believing that the triple-double machine will have to make the most changes to his game to make their Big 3 work.
They've brought back Dwight Howard for a third tour of duty and added Carmelo Anthony, two players with strong personalities.
They have nine players over 30 and six at least 35 or older, so age will be a topic of concern all season.
Miami Heat’s P.J. Tucker displays three fingers after hitting a 3-point shot against the Boston Celtics during the first half on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021. (Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun Sentinel/TNS)
