So, if you're like me and can't wait to see what the Los Angeles Lakers have in store for us this NBA season, I've done the homework for you. I've zeroed in on several key matchups that are bound to get us all talking and keep us glued to our screens. Trust me, you won't want to miss these games.
First up, let's talk about their opener against the Golden State Warriors. On October 19th, the Lakers will face the Warriors at Chase Center. We're talking about two teams with a combined 33 championship banners. Steph Curry’s three-point prowess against LeBron James' all-around dominance is something you just have to see. Last season, Curry averaged 32.0 points per game, while LeBron kept up with 30.3. This game isn't just a clash; it's a full-blown spectacle.
An absolute must-watch is the game against the Boston Celtics on December 7th. This age-old rivalry never fails to entertain. Historically, the Celtics and Lakers have met in the NBA Finals a total of 12 times, the most recent being in 2010. That series was an absolute thriller, going the full seven games, with Kobe Bryant delivering a performance for the ages. Hiring Darvin Ham as head coach brings a new dynamic to the Lakers’ play style—let’s see how it holds up against the Celtics’ strong defense spearheaded by Jayson Tatum.
Another exciting matchup is on Christmas Day, December 25th, when the Lakers face off against the Dallas Mavericks. Christmas games are almost like a mini-playoff; the energy is different. Luka Dončić has been playing like a man possessed, averaging 28.4 points and 8 assists last season. Watching Dončić go against Anthony Davis, returning healthy and rejuvenated, will be the highlight of our holiday season. The NBA definitely knows how to schedule a showdown that we talk about through the new year.
Speaking of matchups that excite the fanbase, let's not forget the January 25th game against the Brooklyn Nets. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving bring serious star power, and they're on a redemption path after a rocky run last season. The Lakers haven’t been at their best, either. Both teams have a lot to prove, making this game a benchmark for mid-season form. Expect fireworks as these titans clash on the court. Moreover, seeing these superstars in action could be the best $200 you spend on a ticket, considering the sheer talent on display.
If there’s one game you absolutely can't miss, it’s the February 9th battle against the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP, always makes sure it’s not just another game. He put up monstrous numbers, averaging 29.9 points and 11.6 rebounds per game last season. On the other end, LeBron will be 38 years old, still breaking records. Remember when he became the youngest player to reach 35,000 career points? This matchup often feels like a test between the old guard and the new.
Fast forward to March 6th when the Lakers host the Memphis Grizzlies. It might not have the historic appeal of Lakers-Celtics, but Ja Morant's incredible speed and explosive plays are must-watch TV. Morant led his team with 27.4 points and 6.7 assists per game last season. The Grizzlies are countering the Lakers’ experience with youthful exuberance. It's a perfect illustration of how the league is evolving, emphasizing speed and agility in younger players.
Finally, the April 9th game against the Denver Nuggets could be pivotal as playoff spots solidify. Nikola Jokić, the reigning MVP, has brought his game to an elite level, averaging 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists last season. The Nuggets operate with surgical precision, making this encounter a real litmus test for how playoff-ready the Lakers are. A win against a team like Denver could be the morale boost the Lakers need heading into the playoffs.
You can find more details about individual game times and tickets at la lakers nba schedule. Trust me, this season will be a rollercoaster of emotions, highs, and lows. Don’t miss these key games—they're bound to define the Lakers’ season and give us the basketball thrills we crave.