– October 22nd @ Los Angeles Clippers
Right out of the gates, the Lakers are going to be tested by another title contender. To start the season, we will be treated to a great matchup between the Clippers and the Lakers. While there has always been a rivalry between the two teams in Los Angeles, the Clippers have always been the little brother to the Lakers.
However, over the past few seasons, that has begun to change. Ever since the Clippers brought in Chris Paul, they have been one of the better teams in the Western Conference. Even after trading Paul, the Clippers still found ways to win with a lot of really solid NBA players.
Now, the Clippers are poised to do great things like the Lakers. To the surprise of many, Kawhi Leonard decided to sign with the Clippers over the Lakers. Many assumed that Leonard would be joining forces with LeBron and Davis, however, he had plans of playing with another star in Los Angeles.
In addition to Leonard, the Clippers pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire Paul George from the Oklahoma City Thunder. After two first-round exits in Oklahoma City, George decided that he wanted out of Oklahoma City, and now he will be the sidekick to the reigning NBA Finals MVP.
Since this is the first game of the season, neither team will be all that sharp. However, that doesn’t mean that the Staples Center won’t be buzzing for this matchup.