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NBA season preview: New rankings and projections before 2020-21 opening night

It seems like only 2½ months ago, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy as champions inside the Orlando bubble.

Oh, wait. That's exactly what happened.

Yes, after only 72 days away, NBA basketball is back!

Are the Lakers a lock for another title, or could a reshuffled franchise like the LA Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers or Brooklyn Nets catch them? Will back-to-back MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, fresh off signing his max extension, deliver a ring to the Milwaukee Bucks?