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Though the Lakers play only 10 games in February, the second month of 2016 features a challenging slate, as eight of their opponents reached the playoffs last year, including Cleveland, the Eastern Conference champion.
While the middle of the month features seven road tilts in an eight-game span, the Lakers get to enjoy an eight-day recess at February’s midpoint for the All-Star Break.
Several Lakers aspire to play in the All-Star Game for the first time in their careers, but two are aiming to make their way back to the event, which will be held in Toronto this season.
Kobe Bryant looks to notch his 18th all-star selection in his 20th season, which would also double as his 17th consecutive election to the game. Meanwhile, Roy Hibbert hopes to be picked for the third time after last making it two seasons ago.
February
Games: 10
Home: 3
Away: 7
Playoff Opponents: 8
National TV Games: 4
Home Opponents: Minnesota, San Antonio, Memphis
Road Destinations: New Orleans, San Antonio, Indiana, Cleveland, Chicago, Milwaukee, Memphis
Key Matchups
Feb. 8 at Indiana (4 p.m.; Time Warner Cable SportsNet/Deportes)
After seven seasons of anchoring the Pacers’ defense, Hibbert will make his first return to Indiana since joining the Lakers. The 28-year-old left with the fourth-most blocks in franchise history (990), as well as the highest block percentage (5.4).
Feb. 10 at Cleveland (5 p.m.; Time Warner Cable SportsNet/Deportes and ESPN)
Each of the past nine NBA Finals have featured either Bryant or LeBron James, so it is always a special contest whenever the two go at it. In the pair’s last meeting on Jan. 15, James exploded for 36 points, while Bryant countered with 19 points and 17 assists — the latter of which were the most in his 19-year career.
Feb. 19 vs. San Antonio (7:30 p.m.; Time Warner Cable SportsNet/Deportes)
Arguably the two greatest players of their generation, Bryant and Tim Duncan could be meeting for the final time if the former decides to retire after this season. Duncan currently has a 28-21 head-to-head advantage in regular-season play, but Bryant holds the upper hand in the playoffs (18-12).
