5. December
The Lakers arguably play the softest part of their schedule in December. Unless the team loses focus writing their letters to Santa Claus (I’m looking at you, Metta), there’s no reason to think they shouldn’t cruise through the month.
Home games against the Dwight-less Magic, Bobcats, Blazers, Jazz and Knicks doesn’t exactly scream difficult. Road games in Cleveland, Washington, New York, Golden State, Houston and New Orleans won’t have anyone shaking in their boots, either.
Yet, there are games throughout the month that are definitely must-see. For starters, a December 7th showdown in Oklahoma City against the defending conference champs. On the 16th, fans will get to see Andrew Bynum for the first time in a 76ers jersey, as the team travels to Philadelphia to conclude a four-game, East Coast road-trip.
On Christmas Day, the Lakers will be taking on Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks. It will mark the 14th consecutive season the Lakers have played on Christmas.
Game of the Month – December 7th @Oklahoma City: Now that the Lakers have a starting lineup consisting of Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace, many think they’ve surpassed the defending Western Conference champion Thunder as the best team in the West. I am sure this has caught the attention of the Thunder, who were already plenty motivated after their loss to the Heat in the Finals last June.
This will be the first of four meetings between the two teams next season.
Home Games: 5
Road Games: 9
Back-to-Backs: 3
December 4-5: @Houston, @New Orleans
December 13- 14: @New York, @Washington
December 25- 26: vs New York, @Denver
Nationally Televised Games: 4
December 2nd vs Orlando (NBA TV), December 7th @ OKC (ESPN), December 13th @ New York (TNT), December 25th vs New York (ABC).
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