Starting—and closing—lineup spots will be won and lost over the coming weeks. There are roster battles worth watching for every team, but a few pop up as particularly captivating.
The Los Angeles Lakers' point guard race comes immediately to mind. Can D'Angelo Russell quiet talk of any change and cement himself into the franchise's plans? Or will newcomer Gabe Vincent swipe the gig with the kind of shot-making and defense that should play up alongside stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis?
How will the Golden State Warriors fill their fifth starting spot? Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green are no-doubt locks, and Klay Thompson is either another or awfully close to that. So, do the Dubs embrace small-ball and immediately slot Chris Paul into the first five, or do they trust the steady hand and familiarity of Kevon Looney?
Speaking of fifth starters, who gets that gig on the Phoenix Suns? Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Deandre Ayton comprise a ferocious foursome that, if kept intact, could prove historically dominant. But finding the proverbial fifth Beatle might be the most important decision skipper Frank Vogel makes this season.
Just about anywhere you look, you'll find at least one compelling camp battle, and some of them could have a not insignificant say in this title race.
