The Lakers’ 2015-16 schedule is out and full of intriguing matchup across the 82-game slate. However, five of these tilts provide a bit more spark than the others. Below are the top contests to catch this season.
Oct. 28 vs. Minnesota (7:30 p.m.; Time Warner Cable SportsNet and ESPN)
The season opener is a can’t-miss event every year, but this time it’s even more special, as the No. 1 pick of the NBA Draft, Karl-Anthony Towns, visits second overall pick D’Angelo Russell and the Lakers. While this new rivalry begins, another will pick up in its 20th season with Kevin Garnett taking on Kobe Bryant for the 50th time in the regular season and 76th time overall. Plus, Julius Randle will compete in his first regular-season game since fracturing his tibia in last year’s opener.
Nov. 24 at Golden State (7:30 p.m.; TNT)
Bryant has dominated the Warriors throughout his career, averaging 27.9 points in 64 games — his most against any opponent. Though he is 54-10 in his career against Golden State, this edition will provide a much tougher challenge, as the defending champs return MVP Stephen Curry, Finals MVP Andre Iguodala and Third Team All-NBA selection Klay Thompson.
Dec. 25 vs. Clippers (7:30 p.m.; Time Warner Cable SportsNet and ESPN)
The season’s first “Battle for Los Angeles” will be a festive one, as the STAPLES Center co-tenants cap off Christmas night with a clash. The Lakers will look to snap a seven-game slide against their intracity foes, who have added one of Bryant’s longtime rivals, Paul Pierce. Currently, Bryant holds a 20-17 head-to-head lead over the new Clipper.
Dec. 30 at Boston (4:30 p.m.; Time Warner Cable SportsNet)
Bryant plans to decide whether he will retire after the season is over, meaning that this meeting with the Celtics could be his final game in Boston. Bryant has gone 10-12 on the Celtics’ parquet floor, which has been the setting for some memorable performances, including two 43-point outings and his 29-point burst in Game 3 of the 2010 NBA Finals. The game will also serve as a homecoming for new Laker Brandon Bass, who spent the last four years in Boston.
March 13 vs. New York (6:30 p.m.; Time Warner Cable SportsNet)
A host of former Lakers make their only trip to play the Lakers at STAPLES Center, as Phil Jackson, Derek Fisher, Kurt Rambis, Jim Cleamons and Rasheed Hazzard highlight New York’s current front office and coaching staff. Together, the quintet has 21 championship rings from their days playing (Fisher, Rambis, Cleamons) and coaching (Jackson, Rambis, Cleamons) for the Lakers.
