January 2 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Win
The T-Wolves have not been able to beat the Los Angeles Lakers up to this point and that is not going to change in 2022.
January 4 vs. Sacramento Kings: Win
Like Minnesota, the Kings have been unable to beat the Lakers up to this point and that is not going to change in 2022. Back-to-back big wins for the Lakers here.
January 7 vs. Atlanta Hawks: Win
Atlanta went farther than everyone expected them to in the playoffs last season and that is going to lead to everyone overrating them this season. While solid, they don’t have what it takes to beat the Lakers in LA.
January 9 vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Win
There is no way the Lakers are going to let Memphis take the season series and they absolutely demolish the Grizzlies in this game to tie up the season series but also prove a point.
January 12 vs. Sacramento Kings: Win
Two losses to the Lakers in the first 12 days of the calendar year. Not a great start to 2022 for the Kings.
January 15 at Denver Nuggets: Loss
Jamal Murray should have returned by now and Denver is going to be one of the most dangerous teams in the league. Without Murray this is a Lakers win. With Murray, it is a Lakers loss, ending a six-game win streak.
January 17 vs. Utah Jazz: Win
The Los Angeles Lakers match up so well against the Utah Jazz when they are healthy. They are not even a threat to the Lakers when the Lakers’ stars are playing. Big win and huge game for Anthony Davis in this one.
January 19 vs. Indiana Pacers: Win
The Lakers avenge their loss from earlier in the year to the Pacers, this time coming on their home court.
January 21 at Orlando Magic: Win
The Los Angeles Lakers open the road trip with a win before the toughest stretch of the entire season. It is imperative that they win this game ahead of that and they know it.
January 23 at Miami Heat: Loss
The Heat are always really good at home and this is going to be a gritty Heat team that by this time is finding their groove. A big win over the Lakers sends a statement to the rest of the league.
January 25 at Brooklyn Nets: Loss
One month later, the Brooklyn Nets get their revenge on their home court. Quite frankly, either game could go either way and it is only fair to expect these teams to split at their respective home courts.
January 27 at Philadelphia 76ers: Win
The 76ers take a step back next season and while this will still be a fun game similar to their primetime showdown in Philly last season, the Lakers will be the team that emerges victorious.
January 28 at Charlotte Hornets: Win
This is a really tough road back-to-back for the Los Angeles Lakers, luckily they caught a beatable, albeit talented, team in the second leg.
January 30 at Atlanta Hawks: Loss
The third game in four days and the last of the road trip will not go in the Lakers’ favor. Atlanta will defeat a tired and traveled Lakers team that will take them to their limit but ultimately fall short.