The Los Angeles Lakers have unveiled their complete schedule for the 2017-2018 campaign.
As previously announced, the Lakers will be opening their season on October 19th at home against the LA Clippers and matching up against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas day. With just over two months until the beginning of the regular season we get the full list of games and dates.
After finishing just 26-56 last season the purple and gold are still one of the biggest draws in terms of television ratings, this is apparent with 35 nationally televised games this upcoming season. Plenty of this coverage can be attributed to second-overall pick Lonzo Ball and the rest of the young core in Los Angeles.
It is well documented that the NBA is trying to limit players sitting out games due to rest and long road trips for teams. For example, the Lakers longest road trip this season is just five games over 11 days at the end of January. For comparison, the team’s longest trip last season was seven games in 12 days. During last season the team had 16 back-to-backs which has also been reduced this season to just 13.
Notable games
October 19, vs LA Clippers – Opening night
November 3, vs Brooklyn Nets – D’Angelo Russell returns to STAPLES
November 8, @ Boston Celtics – First game against Boston
November 15, vs Philadelphia Sixers – Markelle Fultz vs Lonzo Ball
December 25, vs Minnesota Timberwolves – Christmas Day game
February 15, @ Minnesota Timberwolves – Last game before All-Star break
March 14, @ Golden State Warriors – Last game against defending champions
April 11, @ LA Clippers – Last game of season
The coaching staff and players have made it clear they hope to make a push for their first playoff appearance since 2012, in order to do so, they will have to get off to a hot start and win some of these big games.
Click here to find the full schedule.
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