On August 14th , the NBA officially announced the opening game schedule for the new season, which will begin in October. The defending champion Thunder will host the Rockets, who recently added Kevin Durant to their offseason roster. This clash of powerhouses promises to be a thrilling affair. Meanwhile, the seasoned Warriors and Lakers rivalry will also be staged on opening night, continuing their long-standing rivalry.

Lakers star LeBron James will face Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry for the 57th time in his career on opening night . The clash between these two intergenerational superstars remains a global focal point. Luka Dončić, who signed a three-year, maximum-salary contract with the Lakers this summer, will debut in purple and gold, bringing a new offensive firepower. This new season also marks James' 23rd , and his form and performance remain highly anticipated.

In addition to the Lakers vs. Warriors matchup, the opening game features several other strong matchups. The Cavaliers will face the Knicks, the Spurs will face the Mavericks, and No. 1 overall pick Mark Flagg will face No. 2 overall pick Stephen Harper. The Thunder and Pacers will rematch last season's Finals on October 24th, while the Nuggets will travel to face the Warriors .

Christmas Day games remain a major fixture on the schedule, with five matchups this year: Cavaliers vs. Knicks, Spurs vs. Thunder, Rockets vs. Lakers, Mavericks vs. Warriors, and Timberwolves vs. Nuggets. The Knicks will play their 58th Christmas Day game, setting another NBA record. The Cavaliers and Thunder will be making their first Christmas Day appearance since 2018.

For James, if he can play in the Christmas game, it will be his 20th appearance on this stage in his career, once again demonstrating the durability and stability of his career.