Lakers: Four most interesting matchups to watch this season

By Jason Reed | Oct 18, 2017

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Potential top draftees Lonzo Ball (L), Markelle Fultz (C) and De'Aaron Fox (R) look on before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

3. Philadelphia 76ers

November 15: at Los Angeles (ESPN)
December 7: at Philadelphia (TNT)

The Philadelphia 76ers parallel the Los Angeles Lakers in many ways. Both teams are revolved around a young core of superstars that one day could be the new face of the NBA. In fact, the 76ers have the ceiling to become like the Warriors. Although they may never be 73-9, the trio of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz are a super trio.

In these games, Lonzo Ball is squaring off against his two biggest competitors for the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Simmons, who missed his entire rookie year last year, and Markelle Fultz are both first overall picks. Fultz, running the point guard, and Simmons, running at small forward, not only give Ball competition but rival Ball and Brandon Ingram.

Plus, the matchup down low of Brook Lopez and Joel Embiid will be a fun one. Embiid is a more physical presence down low while Lopez brings the unique ability to stretch the floor at the center position.

While neither of these teams is in serious contention to make any noise this season, this is a fun matchup to see. Both offenses are going to be fast paced and take it to the throats of their competitors. Expect two very high scoring contests when these two teams square off.

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