Preview of 2018-2019 NBA Season

Forward LeBron James will be playing his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 2018–2019 NBA season began on Oct. 16. Contracts have been signed and teams are ready to enter the brand-new campaign.

There are many questions revolving around the new NBA season. How will this season differ from last? Will the Golden State Warriors continue their reign of dominance? Who will follow the footsteps of Ben Simmons as the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year? Will James Harden take his team to the next level after taking home the league’s MVP award?

Here is a look at the new season, including  the top teams in both the Eastern and Western Conferences, new faces in new places and rookies to keep an eye on.

Western Conference

Golden State Warriors

Of course, any conversation about the new NBA season can’t happen  without talking about the most dominant team of this decade–the Warriors. The team capped off 2018 like it has finished the past couple years, holding the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy.

This year, the Warriors are still the team to beat. The Warriors will consist of its usual cast of elite players like Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. The team’s loaded lineup will also feature DeMarcus Cousins after he finishes his injury rehab.

Los Angeles Lakers

Whenever a team can add possibly the best player this league has ever seen, it has done a good job. Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers did just that when they reeled in LeBron James in free agency.

James makes the Lakers instant contenders in the Western Conference. However, the jury is still out on if his presence will help the team leap frog the Warriors. As wild as that sounds, it could be a possibility.

With many new faces–and a team loaded with athleticism and young talent–the Lakers may find themselves with another banner. The progression of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram will be crucial for the team’s success.

Houston Rockets

While the Houston Rockets failed to close the Warriors out during last year’s playoffs, there still is hope in the Lone Star State.

Chris Paul is healthy, Harden is still elite, and the team brought in Carmelo Anthony. Anthony is the most important part to this puzzle. If he can adapt to a role similar to Eric Gordon, the Rockets will have a perimeter loaded with shooters. Defense? Well, that’s a whole other story.

Eastern Conference

Boston Celtics

Now that James has left the Eastern Conference, that ball officially falls into the court of the Boston Celtics. Boston is absolutely loaded with talent, ranging from second-year stars to veterans.

Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward will be back from injury, while Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum will look to take their games to the next level.

That said, perhaps the Celtics’ biggest strength is the team’s depth. Al Horford, Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier III and Marcus Morris will also serve as important pieces off the bench.

Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers had a great 2017-18 year to build off of. The Sixers are set up to give the Celtics a run for their money. While the Sixers didn’t do too much to add any big players this offseason, the crop of young talent will be what makes or breaks this team.

Joel Embiid, Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons will headline this young and exciting squad this season.

Toronto Raptors

There is still hope in Toronto. The Raptors had a great season last year, but ultimately fell to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs…again.

The Raptors have seen their window slowly shut, and this season may be one of the last of that window. Kyle Lowry will be back, as well as some of last year’s foundation.

One name that won’t be on this season’s roster is DeMar DeRozan. That said, the Raptors will have Kawhi Leonard in his place, and the duo of Lowry and Leonard should make the Raptors a top three team in the East.

New Faces, New Places

LeBron James

Can James add to his legacy in L.A. and take down the Warriors? How will he help the maturation of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma? This season is going to be a show, so it’s fitting that this part of James’ career will unfold in Hollywood.

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony didn’t fit well with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The main reason for that was because Anthony wouldn’t take a lesser role. Anthony still has a New York- sized ego, but if Paul can sell him on the idea of doing what it takes to help the team, then Melo may be in for a big year.

Kawhi Leonard

How will Leonard fit in Toronto? He shocked the NBA world when he forced a trade out of San Antonio. Fans and critics will have lofty expectations of him, which should be the case when it comes to a player of his caliber. Leonard may be the last hope the Raptors have.

Rookies

Luka Doncic

Many believe the Dallas Mavericks got the best player in the draft in Luka Doncic, who will join Dennis Smith Jr. in the backcourt. Does Doncic have what it takes to live up to his pre-draft hype? Only time will tell.

Collin Sexton

Sexton is worth keeping an eye on, specifically due to the fact that he is coming on to the team right as legend James is leaving. He will look to bring hope to the city of Cleveland once again, which is tough when you must fill the shoes of a sports icon.  

Kevin Knox

Knox landing ahead of the likes of Trae Young, Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley may be a shock. But, he has to fulfill higher expectations. Knox is the new face of hope in the city of New York, and all of the lights will be on him with Kristaps Porzingis recovering from injury.