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Lakers: Four most interesting matchups to watch this season

By Jason Reed

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)
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 Al Bello/Getty Images)
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

1. Brooklyn Nets

  • November 3: at Los Angeles (Local)
  • February 2: at Brooklyn (Local)

This past NBA offseason was full of trades, resulting in many big names finding new homes in other cities. Paul George and Carmelo Anthony both found a new home in Oklahoma City, Chris Paul is now a Houston Rocket and Jimmy Butler now heads a new super team for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

For the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets, they have some familiar faces squaring off twice this year. Of course, this is due to the D’Angelo Russell-Brook Lopez trade that went down before the NBA Draft.

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This move was looked at as a salary cap move. Russell was packaged alongside Timofey Mozgov for the expiring deal of Lopez as well as a draft pick. With the Lakers seemingly all in on Lonzo Ball at that point – which they were – Russell became the easiest to trade and the easiest to replace.

However, alternative motives could have been at play with this move. Magic Johnson came out and said that the team needed a leader and that Russell was not that leader. Apparently, Lonzo Ball is.

When these two teams square off all of the bad blood will likely be on Russell’s side. Ever since that snapchat incident with Nick Young Russell has been ridiculed by the Lakers’ fan base. He never seemed wanted after that, and when he returns to the Staples Center on November 3, he will show fans why they should have wanted him.

Next: The Lakers should make a bold trade with Boston

Expect the rock to be in Russell’s hand all night long and for Ball to counter with his playmaking ability that Russell lacks. While the two may not have personal grievances, it will be fun to see what Russell can do against his former team.

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