Overview
- The 2026–27 NBA season starts with a triple-header that includes defending champions New York Knicks facing the Philadelphia 76ers in the Madison Square Garden opener on Tuesday.
- LeBron James departed the Lakers to sign with the 76ers for a markedly smaller deal as he pursues a fifth championship alongside Joel Embiid and recent addition Jaylen Brown.
- San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama and Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead a group of Western favorites that project to be the main threat to Eastern contenders.
- Five Spaniards are on NBA rosters this year — including Aday Mara and Hugo González — creating new opportunities for rookies and added international interest.
- A flurry of offseason moves, such as Giannis moving to Miami and Kawhi’s return to Toronto, reshaped conference balance and deepened the field chasing New York’s attempt to repeat.