NBA tipoff is on Tuesday and the Lakers meet the Mavericks. The Lakers have  completely revamped their team with now six former all-stars on the team. The Mavericks have taken a different approach and are almost on a decline. Things to look for to see if the Lakers are as great in game as on paper:

1.) Can Dwight Howard dominate the paint as he had before the injury?

2.) Can Pau Gasol continue his Olympic play into the regular season?

3.) Will Antwan Jamison bring a solid spark off the bench?

If all of these factors combine, the Lakers will have an easy stroll to the NBA finals seeing that they are the most talented starting five in the league. The Mavericks are going to be playing without Dirk Nowitzki. He is out 4-6 weeks after undergoing knee surgery. If O.J. Mayo can be the player he was expected to be out of college, then the Mavericks will have a great season.

Also you will get the chance to see the Washington Wizards play the Cleveland Cavaliers. An exciting point guard match up is presented with Kyrie Irving facing up against John Wall. The explosive athleticism of John Wall matched with the scoring prowess of Kyrie Irving provides a truly fascinating match up. There is potential in Washington, and the Cavaliers are struggling through a rebuilding period but will improve. The game may be extremely competitive but there may not be many highlights. If your not just a passionate fan of basketball this may not be the game for you. However, the season is finally here.

Enjoy opening night and the rest of the season to come.

Luvert Allen, Former Editor of Sports