LA Lakers insider points out critical factor that bolsters team’s hopes of a good regular season
LA Lakers insider Jovan Buha believes the team's chances of a good 2024-25 NBA season improved with the reduced number of back-to-back games. The Purple and Gold play 13 back-to-backs as opposed to 15 from the last season, out of which 10 were on the road. The LA beat reporter believed this would make a difference in their title aspirations.
Speaking on Buha's Block, he said the Lakers have a relatively conducive schedule despite a loaded Western Conference.
"I don't want to say this is an easy schedule by any means because there is no such thing as an easy schedule in 2024-25, there is so much parity that the West is incredibly deep. You could make a case they have 13 teams capable of making the play-in tournament. But compared to some of the other teams and how difficult this schedule could have been, I think the Lakers have a favorable schedule, only 13 back-to-backs — one of the lowest totals in the league."
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The Lakers' first back-to-back happens to be their second and third game of the season where they play the Phoenix Suns and the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 25 and 26 respectively. They start their season on Tuesday (Oct. 22) against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
What does the LA Lakers schedule look like for the 2024-25 season?
The Lakers play 10 of their first 19 games at home. As part of this season's activities, the franchise will also retire former icon Michael Cooper's No. 21 jersey when they host the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 13, 2025. As far as their matchups to watch out for, they play the Golden State Warriors as part of the Christmas Day slate.
This will be followed by a skirmish against WCF champs Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 7, 2025, and a trip down East to take on defending champions Boston Celtics on Jan. 23. They face crosstown rivals LA Clippers on Jan.19, 2025. In addition, LA is one of the most televised teams this season with 39 games scheduled for national broadcast. TNT will broadcast 11 games, while ESPN showcases 10. ABC and NBA TV will feature six and 12 games respectively.
LA is likely to run back with the same roster it had the last couple of seasons — this time with JJ Redick as the new head coach. Bronny James and Dalton Knecht will replace vets, Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince.