Everywhere the Lakers go, they bring their fans with them. It’s common for arenas they visit to be dominated by purple-and-gold audiences, cheering for LeBron James, Anthony Davis and now Russell Westbrook – they’re the biggest show in town.
But which games should Lakers fans circle on their calendars as the league returns to an 82-game regular-season schedule? Which opponents move the needle? Here are five games you won’t want to miss:
NOV. 17 AT MILWAUKEE BUCKS
James once scoffed that he trailed Giannis Antetokounmpo distantly in the 2020 MVP vote. Now the Greek Freak has his bonafides after a 2021 title run that saw him take a step into postseason dominance. Beyond that superstar head-to-head matchup, this is also the Lakers’ first early test against one of the perceived NBA title contenders, after the softer part of the schedule has burned away.
Player to watch: Antetokounmpo. In several head-to-heads, Antetokounmpo hasn’t looked like he’s able to control a game with the same command that James possesses. But he is always physically punishing, and he will challenge L.A.’s ability to protect the rim.
DEC. 7 VS. BOSTON CELTICS
Let’s be real: When isn’t this a must-watch game? The Lakers vs. the Celtics is a classic, will feature two teams expected to be near the top of their conferences, and has a ton of star power as always. But the juiciest storyline might be the return of Dennis Schröder, who early last season could have secured a massive contract extension with the Lakers before “fumbling the bag” and winding up with their archrival on a bargain contract.
Player to watch: Jayson Tatum. Of course, eyes will be on Schröder, who is bound to be booed. But historically, the 23-year-old Tatum has been a significant threat, scoring 27 points or more in three of the past four meetings.
DEC. 25 VS. BROOKLYN NETS
This is the mega match everyone wants to see. In many ways, these coastal powers have a parallel construction model of grabbing three superstars and surrounding them with wily vets. Kyrie Irving’s sketchy outlook for the season might limit the Nets’ upside, but with former league MVPs Kevin Durant and James Harden, it will remain difficult to beat the team many still consider the title favorite, health permitting. Spend Christmas with a headliner tilt.
Player to watch: Durant. He was Westbrook’s foil in Oklahoma City and has been James’ greatest challenger for the title of league’s best player over the last decade. Many think he is currently the best player in the NBA, and after signing a massive contract extension, it’s clear he intends to build Brooklyn into a title threat for years to come.
JAN. 23 AT MIAMI HEAT
In addition to a meeting between two teams that faced off in the 2020 Finals in the bubble, think of it as a road not taken for the Lakers. The Heat have added Kyle Lowry, who the Lakers had the opportunity to acquire at the trade deadline in March before opting to stand pat; when the Raptors came to town later in the season, Lowry torched them. Now between Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Lowry, expect the intensity level to be off the charts when James visits the city where he won two of his four NBA titles.
Player to watch: It’s hard to choose, but Jimmy Butler is always a tough matchup. He has a 15-9 record against James in the regular season, and the head-to-heads have often come down to the last possessions.
FEB. 12 AT GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Why this one instead of opening night? Two words: Klay Thompson. Once the Warriors get their max-contract superstar back on the court for the first time in 2½ seasons, their odds to be a championship-level team again increase dramatically. Contrasting with the Lakers’ lust for size and physicality, the Warriors favor movement and finesse, setting up a matchup that had audiences swooning in last year’s pivotal play-in game.
Player to watch: Thompson, who could be the swing factor in Golden State’s season. His ability to pull up from anywhere could make the Warriors the high-scoring machine they were in the middle of the last decade and reset the gears for the dynasty.
