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The Lakers will be frequent flyers in 2015’s final month, as 13 of their 17 games take place away from STAPLES Center. In fact, seven of these are located within the Eastern Time Zone, and none are closer to Los Angeles than Denver.
L.A. begins the month with its longest road trip of the season — a 12-day, eight-game excursion that starts on the East Coast (Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta) before heading a bit westward (Detroit, Toronto, Minnesota) and finishing in Texas (San Antonio, Houston).
In addition to the miles put on the road, L.A.’s opponents themselves also make December an especially challenging month. Ten of the Lakers’ 17 foes made the playoffs last season, including the Houston Rockets, whom they will be facing twice. The non-postseason matchups also feature some firepower, especially a pair of contests with Oklahoma City.
December
Games: 17
Home: 4
Away: 13
Playoff Opponents: 10
National TV Games: 3
Home Opponents: Milwaukee, Houston, Oklahoma City, Clippers
Road Destinations: Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta, Detroit, Toronto, Minnesota, San Antonio, Houston, Oklahoma City, Denver, Memphis, Charlotte, Boston
Key Matchups
Dec. 1 at Philadelphia (4 p.m..; Time Warner Cable SportsNet/Deportes)
It’s a battle between two of the top picks of the 2015 NBA Draft, as second overall D’Angelo Russell faces off against No. 3 Jahlil Okafor and the 76ers. In addition to this battle between First Team All-Americans, the game could also provide special circumstances for Kobe Bryant, who will decide whether or not to retire after the season. Should the 17-time all-star choose to hang it up, this will be his last game in his hometown of Philadelphia.
Dec. 25 vs. Clippers (7:30 p.m.; ESPN and Time Warner Cable SportsNet/Deportes)
The Lakers look to cap of Christmas night by taking down STAPLES Center’s other tenant. This will be the Lakers’ 16th straight year playing on the holiday, which always provides an intriguing matchup. Having spent the last three holidays facing off against the likes of Pau Gasol, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, Bryant and co. will now get a crack at Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.
Dec. 30 at Boston (4:30 p.m.; Time Warner Cable SportsNet/Deportes)
The Lakers finish off 2015 by visiting the rival Celtics in what may be another landmark game for Bryant. After two NBA Finals duels and plenty of highlights, Bryant’s 17th trip to Beantown could be the final one. Plus, Brandon Bass will play the role of homecoming king, as he spent the last four years playing for Boston.