Preseason in Abu Dhabi kicks off a season shaped by 10 names set to define it: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paolo Banchero, De'Aaron Fox, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Amen Thompson, Desmond Bane, A.J. Dybantsa, Mike Brown, Adam Silver.

Milwaukee upgrades keep Giannis in play; Orlando pivots to a win-now arc; Memphis adds Bane's shooting; San Antonio pairs Fox with Wembanyama and Harper; LeBron, Kawhi and Silver frame the league's balance and expansion intel. Injuries to Haliburton and Tatum widen the East's path as Wembanyama's era opens in San Antonio with Castle and Harper looming—the fantasy season will hinge on fit, health and late moves.

LAKERS upgrade with Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, giving the roster a polished two-way core as LeBron continues to influence the championship window. Luka Doncic is in peak shape, while Austin Reaves faces a pivotal free-agent summer that could reshape the Lakers’ cap and core. San Antonio is watching closely, armed with De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell and Dylan Harper, signaling a serious backcourt rebuild. Reaves posted 20.2 PPG, 5.8 APG on 46% FG and 37.7% from deep last season.