The NBA season tips off on Wednesday and it promises to be far more unpredictable after injuries and free agent moves transformed the league this off-season.
LA Lakers forward LeBron James has been accused of trying to protect his brand after he expressed support and admiration for China amid the Hong Kong protests.
The NBA's biggest star has revived a controversy over the Chinese backlash to an NBA executive's support for Hong Kong protesters.
The scheduled match between the LA Lakers and Brooklyn Nets did go ahead in Shanghai,but fallout from the notorious Hong Kong tweet isn't slowing down.
The Melbourne-born 23-year-old,who just signed a five-year contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers,held the 26th position last year.
James and Wade,NBA championship-winning teammates with the Miami Heat,are both sending their sons to the same school in Los Angeles.
Lakers say decision will provide James with a head start on off-season healing for a three-month-old groin strain,the first significant injury of his career.
At a timeout,James sat on the bench with cameras surrounding him. He covered his face with a towel and took the moment for himself.
USA Basketball are hopeful the highly-anticipated FIBA World Cup warm-up series between Team USA and the Australian Boomers will feature NBA superstar LeBron James.
Marvel Stadium could be the stage for a headline showdown when Team USA take on the Australian Boomers in a highly anticipated warm-up series at Marvel Stadium.
Ben Simmons has made an impressive NBA All-Star debut playing a key role in turning around an 18-point deficit to steer his team to victory.