That said, a 40-year-old LeBron James will miss the Lakers' opener against the Warriors. The four-time league MVP and four-time NBA champ is dealing with sciatica and is reportedly eying a mid-November return. James' early-season absence could set the stage for the beginning of a Dončić MVP campaign.

The Thunder outlasted KD on ring night, while Luka and Steph battled in L.A. Here are the biggest takeaways from NBA opening night.