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With the season winding down, the Lakers should have the opportunity to finish strong given how many factors will go their way (at least on paper) in March.
Of the 14 contests, nine will be played at Staples Center, including a season-long 12-day, six-game homestand. Along with home-court advantage, Los Angeles should be fresh for most every contest, as it will play only one back-to-back all month long.
Finally, and most importantly, the Lakers have a favorable strength of schedule, despite having to face the defending-champion Cleveland Cavaliers. In fact, the Cavs are one of only six opponents in March that even made the playoffs last season.
March
Games: 14
Home: 9
Away: 5
Playoff Opponents: 6
National TV Games: 2
Home Opponents: Boston, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Clippers, Minnesota, Portland, Washington
Road Destinations: Dallas, Phoenix, Denver, Houston, Minnesota
Key Matchups
March 3 vs. Boston (7:30 p.m. PT; Time Warner Cable SportsNet)
The hated Celtics make their only appearance of the year on the Lakers’ floor, as the rivalry gains two key figures this year. L.A. hopes that second-overall pick Brandon Ingram can be a big part of the series for years to come, while Boston looks for the same from the player selected right after him, Jaylen Brown.
March 9 at Phoenix (7:30 p.m. PT; TNT)
It’s a battle between two young cores both hoping to rise to the top of the NBA in the near future. The Suns return First Team All-Rookie sharpshooter (and D’Angelo Russell’s good friend) Devin Booker and went big in the draft, adding Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis. Meanwhile, Ingram and Ivica Zubac join a crew of young Lakers including Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr.
March 19 vs. Cleveland (6:30 p.m. PT; Time Warner Cable SportsNet)
Like Boston, the Cavaliers only play in front of the Lakers’ home crowd once per year, making this a rare opportunity to catch LeBron James in person. The defending champs will trot out a roster almost identical to last year’s, with the main exception being the loss of center Timofey Mozgov, who will instead hold down the middle for the Lakers.