Eyes on Giannis, Kyrie, LeBron

WASHINGTON – Giannis Antetokounmpo chases another title, the Brooklyn Nets move on without Kyrie Irving and LeBron James unveils his new supporting cast when the 2021-22 NBA season begins Tuesday.

The NBA’s 75th anniversary campaign tips off with the Brooklyn Nets at Milwaukee as NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Antetokounmpo and the rest of the Bucks raise the club’s first championship banner since 1971.

Milwaukee will try to become the first NBA champion from the Eastern Conference to repeat since James led Miami to titles in 2012 and 2013.

The Nets have been part of the NBA off-season’s biggest drama with the loss of Irving for refusing to have a COVID-19 vaccination.

City regulations in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco forbid attending large indoor public gatherings without being vaccinated, meaning Irving could not play in Nets home games.

The NBA season’s opening night also features James and the revamped Lakers playing host to the Golden State Warriors.

The Lakers have surrounded James and Anthony Davis with Russell Westbrook, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, Trevor Ariza, Malik Monk, Kendrick Nunn and Carmelo Anthony.

The hope is to try and recapture the magic that produced a championship in the Covid-19 bubble last year. The Lakers lost to Phoenix in the first round of last season’s playoffs.

“It’s going to take a minute for us to become the team we know we’re capable of being,” James said. “It’s all about being patient with the process, understanding that we’re going to have frustrating moments.

“Nothing is worth having if it’s not worth working for.”

James, a four-time NBA MVP, is chasing his fifth NBA crown. He will turn 37 in December but remains a skilled scorer and passing threat.

“Nothing he does surprises me,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said.