Jul 10, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; The lower bowl seating of the Thomas and Mack Center is filled with fans watching the Lakers play the Timberwolves during the first day of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Minnesota won the game 81-68. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier today the Los Angeles Lakers 2015-16 schedule was officially announced and this should be cause for excitement in what has been a relatively quiet Laker offseason.
This Lakers season will truly be one to remember. Yes, we may be witnessing the final chapter in Kobe Bryant’s historic career but we also get to watch the development of our young, exciting core of Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell. That being the case, you should cherish every Lakers’ game that takes place this season.
Regardless of the season’s outcome, here are a few must watch games you should mark on your calendar.
Next: Beginning of the End?
Dec 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) dribbles past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) at Target Center. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Opening Night, October 28, 2015 – Lakers Host the Minnesota Timberwolves
Not only does this represent the beginning of the NBA season, essentially signaling that happiness is here again, but it could also be the first game of Bryant’s final NBA season. What better way to do it than by pairing him up against rising star Andrew Wiggins?
Additionally, this game will feature Kevin Garnett, who may be sailing off into the sunset with Kobe after this season’s end. If that wasn’t enough, we also get to see the top two picks go at it and watch the always entertaining match up of high flyers Zach Lavine and Jordan Clarkson.
Man, I can’t wait for season to start.
Next: Curry vs. Russell
March 16, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reaches for a rebound against Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12), Los Angeles Lakers forward Tarik Black (28), and Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 24, 2015 – Lakers at Golden State Warriors
Years after their first NBA season, rookies are frequently asked what their “coming out” moment was when entering the league and this could very well be D’Angelo Russell’s moment.
Throughout the draft process, Russell compared himself to Stephen Curry, so it will be interesting to see how he fares against the reigning MVP. Moreover, it will be a great early season test to see how the Lakers play against an elite NBA team.
Next: KB24 vs. KD35
Mar 24, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Tarik Black (28) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
December 23, 2015 – Lakers Host the Oklahoma City Thunder
Christmas is coming two days early for Lakers fans in the form of the Kobe Bryant-Kevin Durant showdown we have patiently waited eight years to see.
With Kevin Durant claiming to be 100% after coming off a season where he only played 27 games due to a foot fracture and Kobe hopefully fully recovered from shoulder surgery, this will be quite a treat. Bryant’s aforementioned move to the small forward makes this match up bound to happen, which should have you licking your lips in anticipation.
As an added bonus, we will get to watch Jordan Clarkson play against Russell Westbrook, a player whom Mitch Kupchak compared Clarkson to earlier this year.
Next: Crosstown Rivalry Renewed
Oct 31, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) guards Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Christmas Day 2015 – Lakers Host the Los Angeles Clippers
Two days later the crosstown rivalry renews as the Lakers host the Los Angeles Clippers.
As opposed to the prior match up which will be headlined by Kobe, this will be D’Angelo Russell’s first time playing against Chris Paul, the player every young point guard should aspire to be.
Last season we were lucky enough to witness Jordan Clarkson battle Chris Paul, now it is Russell’s turn to show what he can do against the point guard that should have been. Further, we will get to watch as Julius Randle battles Blake Griffin, a player who possesses a very similar type of game.
Next: Black Mamba vs. King James
February 10, 2016 and March 10, 2016 – Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
If this indeed ends up being Kobe Bryant’s last NBA season, these are two of the games that will be remembered for years to come.
Fans around the league know that Kobe has a habit of having monster games when the lights are the brightest and that is exactly what this represents. The stage is set perfectly for a passing of the torch moment similar to the ones Magic Johnson and Larry Bird had with Michael Jordan, and that Jordan had with Kobe.
Last season, we watched as Kobe and LeBron fooled around after a missed dunk, and I expect a similar jovial attitude in what may ultimately be their final two meetings.
Next: Lakers vs. Celtics
Feb 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Boston Celtics center Brandon Bass (30) defends a pass by Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
April 3, 2016 – Lakers Host the Boston Celtics
No matter the circumstances, Laker fans should always want to pummel the Boston Celtics.
Even at the height of last year’s Tankapalooza, I was still ecstatic when the Lakers beat the Celtics in overtime, even if it meant getting a lower chance at landing the top pick. Seeing how things turned out for us, I would not have done it any other way.
Though the Celtics snuck into the Eastern Conference Playoffs last year, both teams are currently in a rebuild. That said, this year’s contest should be much more competitive and entertaining to watch than last year’s debacles.
What games are you excited for? Let us know in the comments below!