Editor-in-chief mailbag: It’s almost time

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 8: LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers throws chalk in the air before the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 8, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garr