Next Five
January 1st @ San Antonio Spurs: Win (5-1)
As we mentioned in the previous analysis of the Spurs-Lakers, the Lakers are far and away the superior team. While a split could very well happen given that both games are being played in San Antonio, the Lakers are more than capable of sweeping the two-game stint.
January 3rd @ Memphis Grizzlies: Win (6-1)
Similar to the Spurs’ two-game stint, the Lakers open up a two-game series with the Memphis Grizzlies where both games are on the road. The Grizzlies are intriguing and have built an excellent young roster surrounding point guard Ja Morant, mobile big man Jaren Jackson Jr., and up and coming star Brandon Clarke.
The Lakers might have their hands full with the youth of Memphis, but they should be able to ‘out-experience’ them.
January 5th @ Memphis Grizzlies: Loss (6-2)
As I said in the analysis above, the Grizzlies are a youthful team that is truly tough to match up with. All of their guys are ultra-athletic and can space the floor. The Lakers will have a hard time keeping up with it for a second game in a row. They could easily take this game, but a split in whatever fashion seems likely. The Grizzlies will be the surprise team of the 2020-2021 season.
January 7th vs. San Antonio Spurs: Win (7-2)
The Spurs are going to hate the Lakers by the tenth game of the season. Yes, I believe the purple and gold take the first three games of the season matchup. The Lakers even get this one at home, making it more likely that they take all three.
January 8th vs. Chicago Bulls: Win (8-2)
The Chicago Bulls are not as bad of a team as you think they are. They have some very good pieces surrounding Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen, including new draft pick Patrick Williams, 2019 draft selection Coby White, and high-flying act Wendell Carter Jr. The Bulls are like the Grizzlies lite in many ways — still not good enough to beat the Lakers in a one-off game even on a back-to-back.