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) /

4 of 5

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. Sacramento Kings

November 22: at Sacramento (ESPN)
January 9: at Los Angeles (NBA TV)
February 24: at Sacramento (Local)
April 1: at Los Angeles (NBA TV)

An even more interesting rookie matchup for Lonzo Ball is former Kentucky point guard De’Aaron Fox. Fox and Ball are no strangers to each other, as they squared off twice last season and Fox’ Kentucky Wildcats eliminated Ball’s Bruins from the NCAA Mens’ Division I Basketball tournament.

In that game, Fox dropped 39 points on Ball and the Bruins to lead his team to an elite eight appearance. As a member of the Sacramento Kings, Fox has squared off against the Los Angeles Lakers in the preseason as well as in the NBA Summer League. Ball missed both of those games.

In the regular season, Ball has nowhere to run when it is time to square off against the division rival Sacramento Kings. Plus, since they are division foes, NBA fans get four hearty servings of this dynamic rookie match up.

In an NBA Draft class that was so deep, Fox often gets overlooked by his peers. Despite being the fifth overall pick, one can argue that Fox is not even perceived to be on the same level as Rookie of the Year favorite Lonzo Ball.

We will see if that is the case four times this season; starting on November 22.

Home/Los Angeles Lakers