LA Lakers: 5 Most Anticipated Games Of The Season

New York Knicks – Nov. 8

Feb 1, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Sacre (50) shoots the ball over New York Knicks forward

(21) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

I imagine that the relationship between Jeanie Buss and Phil Jackson has only gotten better over the past year.  After all, they have had to support each other as their teams suffered their worst seasons in franchise history last year.

The Lakers will be making the cross country trip early in the season, and it will be an important one as it may well be Kobe Bryant’s last trip to Madison Square Garden.  While it may not be the most beautiful basketball, both teams know it is a very winnable game for both sides and it is anticipated to be one of the easier matches on the schedule.

Coach Derek Fisher will be bolstered by the return of Carmelo Anthony and benefit from a year of experience at the helm.  He’ll also likely have gotten more advice from Knicks President and mentor Phil Jackson during the off-season.

While there is always plenty of attention on basketballs East Coast vs West Coast match-up, the game will be all about the Black Mamba’s final career night in the Garden.  Bryant set the scoring record at the Garden back in 2009 when he scored 61 points in one of the biggest nights of his career.  Ironically, his record was broken by the returning Anthony.

While the Knicks will be looking to win, undoubtedly Melo, Fisher, and Jackson are ready to help Bryant put on a show worthy of his final night in the Garden.

When the game begins, all eyes will be on Bryant to light up the Big Apple one more time.

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