Australian David Andersen finally tasted NBA action for the first time, while Boston spoiled Shaquille O'Neal's debut as a Cleveland Cavalier as the 2009-10 season got underway on Wednesday.

Andersen was drafted by Atlanta back in 2002 but spent the time since carving out an impressive career in Europe.

In July the Hawks traded his rights to Houston, who needed some tall timber to help overcome a season-ending foot injury to superstar Yao Ming, and the 211cm Andersen should get plenty of playing time this year.

The two-time Olympian had a solid first outing as a Rocket, tallying 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting, five rebounds and an assist in 19 minutes off the bench in Houston's 96-87 away loss to Portland.

Compatriot Patrick Mills wasn't in the Blazers' line-up as he continues his recovery from a foot injury.

Reserve forward Travis Outlaw led Portland with 23 points, while guard Kyle Lowery top-scored for the Rockets with 19 points.

In Cleveland, O'Neal and LeBron James slipped to a 95-89 season-opening loss to the Celtics.

Shaq was traded from Phoenix to the Cavs in the off-season, his fifth home after previous stints with Orlando, the Lakers, Miami and the Suns.

But Boston spoiled the party, with their big three of Paul Pierce (23 points, 11 boards), Ray Allen (16 points) and Kevin Garnett (13 points, 10 boards) leading the way.

The 2008 NBA champion Celtics, who also got 12 points from new recruit Rasheed Wallace, are gunning to reclaim the mantle they lost to the Lakers last season.

Reigning league MVP James had a monster season debut for the Cavs, posting 38 points, eight assists and four blocks, while O'Neal added 10 points and 10 rebounds.

With Garnett healthy again after a knee injury ruined his 2008-09 campaign, the Celtics again look like one of the teams to beat in the Eastern Conference.

"You've got to understand that our core is basically the same," Celtics guard Rajon Rondo said.

"We've been playing together for three-and-a-half years now.

"It's gonna take them some time."

O'Neal agreed, knowing the new-look Cavs will take a while to find their feet.

"We just have to keep at it," O'Neal said.

"You can't win a championship in the first game."

The Lakers raised their 15th championship banner prior to their opening match against LA rivals the Clippers.

A host of former Laker greats, including Magic Johnson, Jerry West and James Worthy, were on hand for the championship ceremony before Bryant and company dismissed the Clippers for the ninth straight time.

Bryant had 33 points and eight assists, while teammate Andrew Bynum added 26 points and 13 boards in the 99-92 victory.

Eric Gordon led the Clippers with 21 points.

And in the day's final game, former All-Star Gilbert Arenas had 29 points and nine assists as Washington upset the Mavericks 102-91 in Dallas.