Writers Brian Booth and Fern Rea collaborated on this list, coming up with their combined top 10 list
Jan 28, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; A Los Angeles Lakers logo on a players shorts during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center. The Bucks defeated the Lakers 100-89. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
With the 2013-2014 NBA schedule finally released, we here at the Lake Show Life thought it only fitting to take a close look at the up-coming schedule for our beloved Los Angeles Lakers. Myself, along with fellow writer Fernando Rea thought long and hard, and below is our top 10 MUST SEE a Lakers games next season.
10. Los Angeles Lakers @ Golden State Warriors – 10/30/13
With the NBA season having just opened up the night before, fans are still thirsty for Lakers action and they get a treat in game 2 of the season when the Lakers fly up to Oakland to play the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors field one of the best starting fives in the NBA with emerging superstar Steph Curry, sharp shooter Klay Thompson and recently acquired Andre Iguodala. The Oracle Arena’s normally frenzied crowd combined with the frenetic pace of the Warriors should make for an exciting, high scoring, up and down game early in the season.
9. Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns – 12/23/13
The Lakers were blown out in both visits to Phoenix last season, against a laughable Suns’ squad. Here’s hoping Steve Nash can get his first win in Phoenix since being traded with a healthier Lakers’ squad.
8. New York Knicks @ Los Angeles Lakers – 3/25/2013
The Knicks only visit to the Lakers this season. Kobe vs. Carmelo Anthony is a great match-up, as not only are both prolific scorers, but are also close friends. As an added bonus, the fans can begin their 2014 courtship of potential free agent to be Anthony.
7. Los Angeles Lakers @ Houston Rockets – 11/7/12
Just when you thought the Dwight Howard drama was over for the Lakers, it gets reignited when the Lakers face the Houston Rockets for the time this season. This will be the first time that Kobe, Nash and Co. get to see Dwight Howard since he shun them in free agency to play with James Harden in Houston. If there is one game that the Lakers players have marked on their calendars it’s this one.
6. Los Angles Lakers @ Brooklyn Nets – 11/27/13
The Lakers make their only trip to the Barclay’s Center, to face the revamped Nets. The Nets added veterans Paul Pierce & Kevin Garnett this summer, who gave the Lakers fits for years as Celtics, and are led by rookie coach Jason Kidd.
5. Los Angeles Lakers @ New York Knicks – 1/26/14
The Lakers visit Madison Square to face the Knicks on an ABC nationally televised game. Anytime Kobe Bryant comes to MSG its newsworthy. Kobe Bryant set a Madison Square record back in 2009 by scoring 61 points and that record still stands today.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers @ Los Angeles Lakers – 1/14/14
This will mark the return of another former Lakers center, Andrew Bynum. Bynum’s return to Los Angeles will not receive the attention from fans or the media as that of the return of Dwight Howard but will still make for must watch TV. Bynum recently took some shots at the Los Angeles fan base, claiming that they lacked passion and were not so supportive. Bynum aside, the Cavs should be a much improved team with the addition of first round pick Anthony Bennett and another year under the belt of superstar in the making Kyrie Irving.
3. Los Angeles Clippers @ Los Angeles Lakers – 10/29/13
Opening night in the NBA. The battle for LA. The revamped Clippers vs. the recuperating Lakers. Plus, the potential return of Kobe Bryant from achilles’ surgery. Enough said.
2. Miami Heat @ Los Angeles Lakers – 12/25/13
Only the elite of the elite play on Christmas Day and the NBA will showcase the defending champions Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers in the marquee game. This will be the first match up between the two teams for this coming season. With many pundits not anticipating a great season from the Lakers, this could end up being quite a mismatch when you’re talking about having them face the defending champions. However, it was worth the risk for the NBA due to the star power of both teams. You really can’t go wrong when you put LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Kobe Bryant on the center stage.
1. Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Lakers – 2/19/14
The single most anticipated game of the year for the Los Angeles Lakers fan base will be when Dwight Howard returns to Los Angeles in a Houston Rockets uniform. Staples Center will be rocking with unadulterated emotion and animosity that had built up since July when Howard decided to leave the Lakers in free agency and will come bursting out in February. Howard has already experienced the passion of the Lakers, now he will experience their fury.