Lakers 2016-17 Schedule: 5 Most Important Games

4. Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics – February 3, 2017

A Celtics game was destined to make its way onto this list. This match up will be the first meeting between the two teams in the 2016-17 NBA season. It will also be the first time the Lakers will travel to Boston’s TD Garden without Kobe Bryant. Bryant had a special way of leading his Lakers over the years into this hostile and rowdy environment, as well as others. Without No. 24, it will be interesting to see how Walton prepares his young squad for this tough road test.

LA managed to split the season series with the Celtics last season. Each team won on the other’s home floor. After adding veteran big-man Al Horford, the Celtics will prove to be a much tougher matchup than last year. Slowing down Horford and guard Isaiah Thomas will be a tough challenge for the Lakers defense and for most teams in the NBA.

The Lakers and Celtics have a rivalry that transcends records and team success. Even though the Lakers have been abysmal recently, any Boston game is still highly anticipated. These young teams will look to usher in a new era of Lakers-Celtics basketball, joining Bill Russell, Jerry West, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson as part of this storied history

Another incentive to make this match up a little extra sweet is the fact that it will be a nationally televised game on ESPN. The Lakers will want to be sure to bring their A-Game, and avoid being embarrassed on national television by the hated Celtics.

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