The last NBA tip-off doubleheader with a larger average audience came in Oct. 2010, helped by the Heat's 88–80 loss to the Celtics in the first game of the "Big Three" era. These figures come with the caveat that Nielsen has overhauled its data gathering processes this year.

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is the NBA's highest-paid player in 2025, according to Brett Knight of <a href=" reportedly bringing in an "estimated $159.6 million in pretax earnings this season—counting both his playing salary and his annual income from endorsements and other business endeavors.

LeBron and Steph are still the faces of the league and know how intertwined their legacies are. But who could be next?

LeBron James was the most-hyped NBA prospect in history. Standing 6'8" in high school and playing like a man among boys, James was nicknamed "The Chosen One." He skipped college and went to the pros straight out of high school. And unlike any high school phenom who made the jump from prep to pro, James dominated in the NBA right from Day 1.

Redick admitted he had this wistful thought about a James-led Lakers offense at one point during the club's season-opening loss.

During an opening night battle between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, the home team was playing without superstar LeBron James.

OKC is almost certainly not going to win 70 games, but think about this: They won 68 last season and Chet Holmgren only played 32 games. There has been a lot of talk about Denver as the team to watch in the West; perhaps rightfully so, as the Nuggets did take OKC to seven games before adding some serious pieces this summer.