Just four days after the NBA and its referees ended a lockout of more than a month by agreeing on a fresh contract, the 2009-10 season begins today with daunting challenges to be faced on and off court.

While the NBA can now count on its regular referees turning up to games after last week's agreement, bringing the fans in remains an ongoing concern despite signs of a recovery from the global economic downturn.

NBA commissioner David Stern expects revenue to fall over the coming months, regardless of teams' efforts to lure fans through reduced ticket prices. Stern said the season ticket renewal rate was down from 79 per cent to around 76 and it would be crucial for the league that television ratings continued to grow to minimise any decline in revenue.

Compelling competition on the North American hardwood is the only guarantee to keep fans happy and television viewers glued to their sets, and the early indications suggest a riveting season is on the cards.

The Los Angeles Lakers launch their championship defence against city rivals the Clippers knowing they and their likeliest challengers have each made at least one high-profile signing over the summer to strengthen their squads.

While the Lakers have brought in veteran Ron Artest to beef up their defence, the Cleveland Cavaliers have added Shaquille O'Neal, the Boston Celtics have acquired Rasheed Wallace and Vince Carter has joined the Orlando Magic.

The Lakers, once again anchored by 11-times All-Star guard Kobe Bryant, look the best of the West and ooze quality in a starting line-up that also includes Spanish forward Pau Gasol and experienced guard Derek Fisher.

While the Lakers are heavily fancied to triumph in the West, the Eastern Conference looks set for a three-way battle between the Cavaliers, the Celtics and the Magic.