As I perused the upcoming season schedule for the Los Angeles Lakers, a sense of anticipation instantly overtook me. With LeBron James turning 39 this December, you can't help but wonder how much longer he can maintain his elite performance. His scoring average of 28.9 points per game last season was quite impressive, but Father Time is undefeated, right? And then there's Anthony Davis, who's also no stranger to bumps and bruises. Man, keeping him healthy is critical given his 56 games played last season – nowhere near an 82-game season.
Many of us Lakers fans are quick to open the calendar the moment the new schedule drops. There's a particular thrill in zeroing in on those high-stakes matchups. For instance, their first showdown against the Golden State Warriors on October 24 immediately jumps out. The Warriors, who have embraced small-ball and perimeter shooting like few others, provide a stark contrast to the Lakers' inside-out style of play. Games against old rivals are always special. I remember one vivid match from the 2022 season where the Lakers eked out a win thanks to a buzzer-beater from AD. Oh, the rush!
Another pivotal date is November 14, when the Lakers face off against the Milwaukee Bucks. With Giannis Antetokounmpo's relentless energy and sheer power, it’s a marquee matchup in every sense of the word. I admire his versatility – how many players can average 30.1 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 5.7 assists as he did last season? The clash between Giannis and AD, with both playing the power forward spot, is a must-watch. It's a complex feeling, knowing it can go either way, right?
Speaking of intricate matchups, the Lakers' Christmas Day game is another circled date. This year, they'll be battling the Boston Celtics – who also happen to be their arch-rivals. Jayson Tatum, who averages close to 27 points per game, brings an aggressive scoring threat, while Jaylen Brown complements him with his two-way prowess. One can't help but recall past memorable Christmas games, like the one in 2008, when Kobe outdueled Paul Pierce, handing the Celtics a rare loss.
It's also essential to consider the grueling five-game road trip beginning in late January. This stretch will see the Lakers face formidable opponents like the Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, and New Orleans Pelicans. Luka Dončić, with his impeccable ability to orchestrate the Mavericks' offense, poses a unique challenge. He notched a triple-double with averages of 27.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists in the 2023 season. Do you think the Lakers can keep up with such versatility?
Looking at the calendar, I notice that they play a total of 14 back-to-back sets this season. While the NBA has tried to reduce these to keep the players fresh, it's still a thing. Last season, we lost several critical games on the second night of back-to-backs. Considering the wear and tear on LeBron and AD, these sets might be where games by role players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura become crucial. Reaves, for example, averaged about 11.5 points per game coming off the bench last year. How reliable will he be under these circumstances?
One can't overlook the financial aspect of attending these games. I recently checked ticket prices for some key matchups, and they’re through the roof. For that opening game against the Warriors, you'll shell out anywhere between $200 to $700 for decent seats. And don't even get me started on the parking rates and concessions which can easily add another $100 to your evening. It's a stark contrast to when you could attend a game for $50 just a few years ago.
Season-ticket holders have a bit more of a cushion, but even those packages have seen a steep rise. A friend of mine, who holds a season pass, mentioned paying almost $5000 for his tickets this year compared to $3500 just two years ago. Yes, the new renovations at Crypto.com Arena might partly justify the price jump. Still, it's a considerable amount for die-hard fans who are feeling the pinch. Do you think it’s all worth it for the chance to possibly witness history-making moments live?
What intrigues me is the NBA's announcement on broadcasting rights. With streaming services like ESPN+ and Hulu gaining more traction, many high-profile games will be accessible via these platforms. When I consider my own setup, I’ve noticed that streaming games tend to have fewer commercial interruptions and provide more in-depth commentary. Yet, at the same time, I won't completely give up on watching games on traditional cable, mostly because I enjoy the camaraderie of watching with friends at a local bar.
In terms of overall team strategy, it's evident Coach Darvin Ham's approach focuses on leveraging the team's defensive capabilities. Last season, their defensive rating hovered around 110.3, placing them among the top half of the league. This year, the emphasis on defense might hold the key to outperforming expectations and making a deep playoff run. I can't wait to see how new addition, Jaxson Hayes, adds to the team’s defensive depth. He averaged 1.1 blocks per game last season and could very well become an integral part of the team’s rotation.
In total, the Lakers will play 41 home games and 41 away games. It's intriguing to wonder how the team will fare in different arenas, especially with varying crowd dynamics and court conditions that subtly impact player performance. Do you remember their dreadful five-game losing streak on the road last year? Those are the kinds of slumps we can’t afford this season.
In the end, it's all shaping up to be another rollercoaster ride of a season. As fans, we're in for thrilling highs and, inevitably, some gut-wrenching lows. The crucial thing is to buckle up, enjoy the journey, and always keep that flicker of hope alive.
Bookmarking the official nba schedule lakers certainly helps keep my calendar aligned with the imminent basketball action. Here’s to another unforgettable season.