NBA: 5 biggest storylines of opening week for the 2018-19 season

CANTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 24: From left Jayson Tatum #0, Jaylen Brown #7, Kyrie Irving #11, Gordon Hayward #20 and Al Horford #42 pose together for a photo during Boston Celtics Media Day on September 24, 2018 in Canton, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
CANTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 24: From left Jayson Tatum #0, Jaylen Brown #7, Kyrie Irving #11, Gordon Hayward #20 and Al Horford #42 pose together for a photo during Boston Celtics Media Day on September 24, 2018 in Canton, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 02: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a play at the end of the second quarter during a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on October 2, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 02: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a play at the end of the second quarter during a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on October 2, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LeBron James‘ start with the Lakers

Opening week matchups: Trail Blazers and Rockets

After surprising the basketball world in July with his decision to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James is looking to make a statement with his new team.

LeBron will continue to create high expectations for any team he plays for. This season we can expect a fifth league MVP award. Their two opponents this week are potential playoff matchups so we will be able to see how well they play against playoff teams right away.

The Lakers will need to adjust quickly because their window of making the playoffs in a tough Western Conference could be slim, depending on who you ask and which teams you firmly believe in.