NEW YORK (Reuters) - NBA fans curious to see how Shaquille O'Neal fares with LeBron James as a team mate will get an early look when the Cleveland Cavaliers host the Boston Celtics to open the league's 2009-10 season on October 27.

The Cavaliers acquired the 37-year-old O'Neal during the offseason hoping the 15 times All-Star center and future Hall of Famer will help capture their first title.

The finale of a four-game opening day slate sees the Los Angeles Lakers start the defense of their title by hosting the LA Clippers, who selected dynamic power forward Blake Griffin with the top pick in the 2009 Draft.

On Christmas Day Los Angeles will host Cleveland, a highly anticipated match-up featuring 2007-08 league MVP Kobe Bryant of the Lakers and reigning MVP James.

The Lakers will face the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic twice, the NBA said Tuesday when it released the schedule.

The first match-up of last season's finalists will be when on January 18 when the Magic visit Los Angeles before the teams square off on March 7 in Orlando.

(Writing by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; editing by Ken Ferris)