NBA News Roundup, Tuesday, October 15th: Anthony Davis set to be fit for the new season, Julius Randle eyes All-Star Game and more

The 2019-20 NBA season will get underway next week, and the new campaign promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. The Golden State Warriors' recent dominance appears set to come to an end, having lost Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins and Andre Iguodala in free agency, while the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets will be hoping to emerge as the NBA's new dominant force.

Meanwhile, several teams such as the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, and Detroit Pistons remain ambitious, and it is possible that we could see at least one major move ahead of the new campaign.

So, with plenty happening around the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for October 15th.

#1 Anthony Davis receives positive injury update

Anthony Davis looks set for a swift return after injuring his thumb against the Nets last week

Over the weekend, Anthony Davis injured his thumb during the first half of the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason defeat to the Brooklyn Nets. The new Lakers signing didn't return to the court and there were fears that he could miss the start of the new season.

However, ESPN is reporting that the Lakers have been provided good news after an MRI scan confirmed that Davis hadn't suffered serious damage:

An MRI on Davis' thumb came back clean Monday, a source told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Davis didn't feature against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center last night, although other big names such as LeBron James were also rested as L.A. attempts to avoid further injuries ahead of the new season. The Lakers get their season underway against the Clippers next week, and Davis should feature after being listed as day-to-day.

#2 Kemba Walker looking forward to seeing less of the ball in Boston

Kemba Walker joined the Boston Celtics from the Charlotte Hornets during free agency

Due to his lack of help in Charlotte, Kemba Walker has had one of the NBA's highest usage rates over the past few seasons. Nevertheless, following his move from the Hornets to the Boston Celtics, Walker will see less of the ball as he shares the floor with the likes of Jayson Tatum.

Nevertheless, speaking after the Celtics' practice on Tuesday, Walker revealed that he is looking forward to getting more open looks:

I’m getting a lot of different shots as well, but I’m loving it, not having not do so much all the time. Hopefully my usage rate might be going down a little bit. It allows other guys to make plays and I can appreciate that for sure.

Last season with the Hornets, Walker averaged 25.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.

#3 Julius Randle believes he can make the All-Star Game this season

Julius Randle joined the Knicks following an excellent season with the Pelicans

Heading into the new season, Julius Randle set himself the personal goal of becoming the first New York Knicks player since Carmelo Anthony to be named as an All-Star. The 25-year-old enters the 19-20 campaign following a breakthrough season in New Orleans, and Randle told Stefan Bondy of The NY Daily News that he believes New York provides him with the 'right opportunity' to make a first All-Star appearance:

I just feel like situation and opportunity. Everything I’ve been through in the past, all the work I’ve put in in the past has prepared me for this opportunity now. So it’s just a goal of mine. Eventually you feel like you have an opportunity. I feel like I do.

Randle signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Knicks earlier this summer after averaging 21.4 points and 8.7 rebounds during his only season with the Pelicans.