Every NBA season is different.
The storylines and the games that matter are constantly changing. With the Lakers overhauling their roster this summer, now contests that might’ve been just one of 82 last year will be some of the biggest hyped matchups this season.
Now that the entire Lakers schedule has been released, here are the five games that are must-see TV.
Lakers vs. Sixers, Dec. 25
LeBron James has left the Lakers and taken his talents to Philadelphia. His first time back in Los Angeles playing for the other side will
be cinematic. The hype video will be iconic, the cheers he’ll get from fans will be loud and the game itself should be very competitive.
James made it clear his decision this summer was all about winning another title. The implied jab at the Lakers is that he believes the Sixers give him a better chance at winning ring No. 5.
So, even if Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić have love and respect for LeBron, they’ll want to beat him and prove they are doing just fine. And the same will be true for James, even if neither side will admit it.
Lakers at Spurs, Nov. 27
If you want to win the Western Conference, then you’ll have to go through San Antonio.
So, anytime the Lakers take on the Spurs, the intensity is going to turn up a notch. These matchups will be the closest thing to playoff-level competition we’ll see during the regular season.
How Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler perform in this game will matter more than almost any other contest. Reaves has struggled against the top teams in the West, and Kessler is unproven, having played only for the tanking Jazz during his career.
That will change this year, as the Lakers will have plenty of high-stakes games. But arguably none more important than this one.
Lakers at Knicks, Jan. 30
Madison Square Garden is a magical arena, and LA’s sole trip to New York this year will be one to remember.
The defending champs will get everyone’s best shot this season, and the Lakers are no exception. The stars will certainly come out for this one, and hopefully, Luka and company can put on a show that results in a Lakers win on the road.
Lakers vs. Thunder, Jan. 26
This game is an opportunity for LA to do two things: see how they measure up against another elite Western Conference team and get some revenge for last year’s playoff sweep against the Thunder.
Sure, a regular-season win won’t make up for how things ended last season, but it’s a start.
Even the most optimistic Lakers fans have the Thunder in front of them in the NBA hierarchy, so winning these games would be huge.
Lakers vs. Celtics, Jan.7
This will be Kessler’s first Lakers-Celtics matchup, so this is a great chance for him to establish himself with the franchise by doing what the LA bigs before him have done by dominating against Boston.
Anytime the Lakers play the Celtics, there should be added animosity and an increased desire to win. Last year, the Lakers fell short of that with an embarrassing performance.
Hopefully, this season, they bring the appropriate energy and, more importantly, win.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
