The Lakers will roll out a youthful roster this year, including a core filled with under-24-year-olds like Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., Julius Randle, D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram. However, the youngsters and new head coach Luke Walton, 36, will not have a kid-friendly slate awaiting them once the 2016-17 season tips off.
Los Angeles opens up by hosting the Houston Rockets, whose explosive offense will now be operated by scoring savant and former Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni. After that will be a road trip against four teams that all have aspirations to contend come playoff time: Utah, Oklahoma City, Indiana and Atlanta.
Coming home to Staples Center won’t make it much easier, as the first game back will be against a Golden State studded by four All-NBA players. The Lakers will surely get familiar with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and co. rather quickly, especially considering that they play the Warriors three times in November alone.
October/November Games: 20 Home: 10 Away: 10 Playoff Opponents: 11 National TV Games: 3 Home Opponents: Houston, Golden State (twice), Phoenix, Dallas, Brooklyn, San Antonio, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Atlanta Road Destinations: Utah, Oklahoma City, Indiana, Atlanta, Sacramento, New Orleans (twice), Minnesota, Golden State, Chicago
Full Schedule
Key Matchups Oct. 26 vs. Houston (7:30 p.m.; ESPN) The post-Kobe Bryant era officially begins on this night at Staples Center, as Ingram makes his NBA debut at the small forward spot that Bryant occupied last season. Though it has yet to be determined whether Ingram or incoming veteran Luol Deng will start at the three, the city’s attention will definitely be on the young guys, as the Lakers look to upend James Harden’s crew on opening night.
