5 Most notable games to circle on the new Los Angeles Lakers schedule

By Jason Reed | Aug 17, 2022

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 27: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts prior to a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena on February 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. The New Orleans Pelicans won 123-95. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

December 2: Los Angeles Lakers at Milwaukee Bucks

This is a compelling matchup for two reasons. First, the Milwaukee Bucks are obviously one of the best teams in the league and are in the conversation to win the NBA Championship next season. If Khris Middleton does not get hurt then the Bucks probably beat the Boston Celtics in the NBA Playoffs and probably would have beaten the Golden State Warriors as well.

That is just how basketball works and NBA fans should not forget about just how good the Bucks are. Having this kind of measuring stick early in the season, especially if the Lakers can pull off a Kyrie trade, is going to be very telling for Lakers fans.

But it also has an added wrinkle as it is Darvin Ham’s return to Milwaukee after being hired by the Lakers. Ham was a long-time assistant for Mike Budenholzer with both the Hawks and Bucks and was regarded as one of the best assistants in the sport.

The Bucks will probably prepare a nice video package for Ham in what will be the most emotional game of his young coaching career. It will then be nice to see how he stacks up against his former head coach and see if he can game plan the Lakers to a big victory early in the season.

And of course, this game will be nationally televised as fans will be able to watch on ESPN.

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