If you ever doubted the NBA was a superstar-driven league, all you had to do was watch the absurd media circus that surrounded LeBron James' decision to join the Miami Heat. Following weeks of speculation, ESPN aired a live special where "the King" declared he was "taking his talents to South Beach."

Now as the season tips off, James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are the main talking points for fans and media. The big question of course, is can three big stars mesh into a strong unit and challenge the Lakers and Celtics for NBA supremacy?

Plan to see lots of Heat games on television and prepare for the inevitable debates about who's better, LeBron or Kobe Bryant. Ironically, Kevin Durant could make that argument academic.

2010-2011 Storylines

Kobe and the Lakers go for a "Three-Peat"

Kobe Bryant has become almost Jordan-esque in his drive for championships. He would like nothing more than a third consecutive title to cement his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats. Star center Pau Gasol returns, as do Ron Artest, Derek Fisher and Lamar Odom. Point guard Steve Blake is a superb signing.

The LeBron/D-Wade/Bosh experiment Miami

Will the sensational off-season signings of free agents LeBron and Bosh pay off with a run to the Finals? The plan has already hit a stumbling block, with guard Mike Miller out until January after injuring his thumb in practice. Still, a team with two superstars and a near-superstar will be difficult to beat.

The Celtics and Shaq

Shaquille O'Neal generates headlines, but he'll be used in a limited role. Despite the fact that the Three Amigos - Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen - are getting older, this is a very good team. Young point guard Rajon Rondo is one of the NBA's best, and a deep bench means the Celtics will contend again.

Is this the year of Kevin Durant?

After becoming the youngest player to lead the NBA in scoring, Durant went to the world championships and dominated. He is virtually unstoppable on offense and might be the league's next true superstar.

Andrew Bogut is back

Big man Bogut, brought up in suburban Melbourne, has recovered from a serious wrist and arm injury, and should make the Milwaukee Bucks one of the Eastern Conference's best teams.

MVP candidates

Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers

LeBron James, Miami

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City

Dwyane Wade, Miami

Dwight Howard, Orlando

Rookies to watch

Blake Griffin, LA Clippers (still a rookie since he missed last season)

John Wall, Washington

Tiago Splitter, San Antonio

DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento

Evan Turner, Philadelphia

Breakout season alert

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City

Kevin Love, Minnesota

Nicolas Batum, Portland

Joakim Noah, Chicago

Stephen Curry, Golden State

Overrated

Joe Johnson, Hawks

Gilbert Arenas, Washington

Carlos Boozer, Chicago

J.R. Smith, Denver

Tracy McGrady, Detroit

Predictions

Eastern Conference playoff teams

1 Miami Heat

2 Orlando Magic

3 Boston Celtics

4 Chicago Bulls

5 Atlanta Hawks

6 Milwaukee Bucks

7 Charlotte Bobcats

8 New York Knicks

Western Conference playoff teams

1 Los Angeles Lakers

2 San Antonio Spurs

3 Utah Jazz

4 Dallas Mavericks

5 Phoenix Suns

6 Oklahoma City Thunder

7 Denver Nuggets

8 Portland Trail Blazers

Eastern Conference finals

Miami Heat over Boston Celtics

Western Conference finals

Los Angeles Lakers over Utah Jazz

NBA Finals

Los Angeles Lakers over Miami Heat