Open or shut?

They all made noise in the offseason, the elite squads of the league seemingly playing a five-way game of one-upmanship and battling to ensure they remain atop the NBA's heap and position themselves for serious title runs. In a climate where many teams are trying to cut payroll and create salary cap room for the coveted big-name free agent class of 2010, the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs all threw frugality to the wind. After signing Ron Artest and re-signing Lamar Odom, the Lakers enter the season with the league's highest payroll ... Email </a