The Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2021-22 season as the favourties to win the title after reinforcing their rosters in the off-season.
MORE: Are the Lakers and Nets destined to meet in the NBA Finals?
Between the two heavyweights, there are a combined 101 All-Star appearances, making them two of the top three most All-Star laden teams in NBA history.
But has that formula always equated to success?
Of the top 10 teams with the most All-Star selections throughout history, only the 2012-13 Miami Heat (39) led by LeBron James — went on to win the NBA championship.
There's a good chance that could change this year with the Nets or Lakers primed to make a run at the Finals, but let's see how the other rosters stacked up.
1. 2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers, 57 All-Star Selections
All-Star Selections: 57 — LeBron James (17), Carmelo Anthony (10), Russell Westbrook (9), Anthony Davis (8), Dwight Howard (8), Rajon Rondo (4), DeAndre Jordan (1).
LeBron James does the bulk of the heavy lifting with his 17 All-Star selections the third-most in NBA history, while the additions of Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo and DeAndre Jordan in the off-season brings 22 All-Star selections to the table.
On paper, the current Lakers group is arguably the most dominant in NBA history and while age is not on their side, two key members of their Big 3 in Davis and Westbrook are still very much in their prime and as for LeBron James....he's still LeBron James.
MORE: Are the Lakers too old to win the NBA title?
The Lakers have not only assembled the team with the most All-Star selections but also one of the oldest teams in NBA history, however, Carmelo Anthony believes their experience will be what sets them apart from the pack.
"Well I mean that's a fact...We old as hell," Carmelo Anthony said on First Take.
"I just think that what we all bring to the table is a wisdom that a lot of people don't have, like the way we're going to be able to come together and hold each other accountable, have each other's backs. We have the most knowledge on this one team than the whole NBA have, I think. So if we can't put that together and make something work then that's on us."
2. 2010-11 Boston Celtics, 56 All-Star Selections
All-Star Selections: 56 — Shaquille O’Neal (15), Kevin Garnett (14), Ray Allen (10), Paul Pierce (9), Jermaine O’Neal (6), Rajon Rondo (2).
The 2011 Celtics were coming off a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals the previous season, adding aging stars Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal to an already strong roster.
They sent four players to. theAll-Star Game and finished with 56 wins, however, their quest to return to the Finals fell short as they went out in the second round of the palyoffs (4-1) LeBron's Miami Heat.
3. 2021-22 Brooklyn Nets - 44 All-Star Selections
All-Star Selections: 44 — Kevin Durant (11), James Harden (9), Kyrie Irving (7), LaMarcus Aldridge (7), Blake Griffin (6), Paul Millsap (4).
The Nets have the most talented team in the Eastern Conference by some margin and after injuries derailed their 2020-21 playoff campaign, they've come back stronger with the off-season additions of Paul Millsap and LaMarcus Aldridge.
If they can stay healthy this season, it will be a tough task for any team to stop them from advancing to the NBA Finals.
4. 2011-12 Boston Celtics - 43 All-Star Selections
All-Star Selections: 43 — Kevin Garnett (14), Ray Allen (10), Paul Pierce (10), Jermaine O’Neal (6), Rajon Rondo (3).
In a lockout shortened season, the Celtics went 39-27, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference and even with an aging roster they advanced to the Conference Finals, pushing the eventual champion Miami Heat to seven games.
5. 1977-78 Boston Celtics - 42 All-Star Selections
All-Star Selections: 42 — John Havlicek (13), Dave Bing (7), Dave Cowens (7), Jo Jo White (7), Sidney Wicks (4), Charlie Scott (3), Curtis Rowe (1).
Despite having one of the most accomplished and talented rosters, the Celtics didn't make the playoffs and finished with a losing record at 32-50.
6. 2020-21 Booklyn Nets - 41 All-Star Selections
All-Star Selections: 41 — Kevin Durant (11), James Harden (9), Kyrie Irving (7), LaMarcus Aldridge (7), Blake Griffin (6) and DeAndre Jordan (1).
7. 2013-14 Miami Heat - 41 All-Star Selections
All-Star Selections: 41 — LeBron James (10), Dwyane Wade (10), Ray Allen (10), Chris Bosh (9) and Rashard Lewis (2).
8. 2003-04 Los Angles Lakers, 41 All-Star Selections
All-Star Selections: 41 — Karl Malone (14), Shaquille O’Neal (11), Gary Payton (9), Kobe Bryant (6) and Horace Grant (1).
9. 2021-13 Miami Heat, 39 All-Star Selections
All-Star Selections: 39 — Ray Allen (10), LeBron James (9), Dwyane Wade (9), Chris Bosh (8), Rashard Lewis (2), Juwan Howard (1).
10. 2006-07 Miami Heat, 39 All-Star Selections
All-Star Selections: 39 — Shaquille O’Neal (14), Gary Payton (9), Alonzo Mourning (7), Dwyane Wade (3), Eddie Jones (3) and Antoine Walker (3).
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