Lakers Season Opener: Five things that will happen vs Clippers

By Keith Rivas | Sep 7, 2017

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrati during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The Lakers season opener will be on Oct. 19 at home versus the Clippers.

Expecting Los Angeles to turn things around sooner than later is a vision that Magic Johnson has in mind. One of those main pieces to the puzzle was the acquisition of Lonzo Ball, which he accomplished this summer in the NBA Draft.

Next on the list are things like the development of Brandon Ingram into a star, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson finding a role with the team or becoming assets they can trade for a good return, and of course the superstar chase in free agency next summer.

With that in mind, the Lakers still have this upcoming season to get through. The young core that’s still around minus D’Angelo Russell still has their shot to impress Magic Johnson and stay long term.

Both Ball and Ingram are part of the longer term future, with Johnson appearing as though he’s willing to move whatever pieces necessary to keep the team’s best interest in mind. This season opener will tell us a lot about the immediate future, but not everything.

Here’s the five things that will go down on Oct. 19 at Staples Center.

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