Lakers Schedule: Three games worth watching early on

10/19 vs Clippers

Opening night is always big, but the league did it right this time around by letting the two Los Angeles teams duke it out before seeing anyone else. The new look Lakers could up end the new look Clippers, especially in a point guard battle that may sway in Lonzo Ball’s favor early.

For the Lakers, this is huge because a win means that they’re one step closer to being back on top. It’s hard to take over the league if you’re not even the best team in your city, and winning this game is their chance at getting that respect back.

Additionally, it’ll tell us how the younger guys play against stars like DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin while also seeing how the defensive pressure from Clippers players like Patrick Beverley affects the game.

Lou Williams will be making his official return to Los Angeles, but for the other side. The Lakers will get to see if their new bench can stop one that is run by the man who helped them win early on last year as a sixth man.

Lastly, any jitters that Lonzo Ball might still have after tearing through Summer League will come out in this game. If he has a bad game, that’s going to be alright. So long as he doesn’t make a fool out of himself and completely throw the game away, it’ll be the best learning curve tool the Lakers could’ve asked for.