Lakers 2016-17 Schedule: 5 Most Important Games

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Mar 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) and Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) speak in the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Staples Center. The Lakers won 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

These five games will be the most important on the Lakers schedule for the 2016-17 NBA season

The Los Angeles Lakers finished the 2015-16 NBA season with a record of 17-65. Hardly coming as a surprise, this placed them at the bottom of the Pacific Division and the Western Conference. Since then though, the Lakers have undergone substantial changes. Kobe Bryant retired, Brandon Ingram was drafted No. 2 overall, and Lakers fans have been waiting for a new season.

A new year provides a chance to leave last year’s franchise worst season and an almost equally dismal 2014-15 season behind. With that and new head coach Luke Walton coming to save the day, a new season means new hope for the Lakers.

Even D’Angelo Russell’s impressive Summer League play, Timofey Mozgov’s mega-contract, and even the hiring of Walton, the Lakers offseason can sometimes feel uneventful and like you’re just killing time, waiting. Now the wait is officially over. The Lakers schedule for the 2016-17 NBA season was released on Thursday and fans everywhere can’t wait to sink their teeth into it.

While Lakers fans are certainly anxious to see the young core in all 82 games, we’ve decided to take a look at the Lakers’ five most important games for next season. In chronological order and for varying reasons, here are the five games you need to circle on the Lakers’ schedule.

(Note: Games listed in heading are Away vs. Home)

Next: No. 1 Opening Night

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