This week, the NBA released its full schedules for all 30 teams, and the Los Angeles Lakers’ regular season schedule is a mixed bag.
It will include a challenging start to the season, a relatively easy stretch in late December and much of January and a gauntlet in the first few weeks after the All-Star break. On the other hand, the team is tied for the fewest sets of back-to-back games this coming season with 13.
Before they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on opening night, the Lakers will play six preseason games in October. While some fans think preseason games don’t matter or are even optional, they play a key role in helping a team’s coaching staff figure out rotations while helping players get into game shape and rhythm while building chemistry.
Los Angeles’ 2024 preseason schedule is as follows:
- Friday, Oct. 4: Minnesota Timberwolves, Greater Palm Springs, Acrisure Arena, 7:30 p.m. PT
- Sunday, Oct. 6: Phoenix Suns, Greater Palm Springs, Acrisure Arena, 6:30 p.m. PT
- Thursday, Oct. 10: Milwaukee Bucks, Las Vegas, T-Mobile Arena, 6:30 p.m. PT
- Tuesday, Oct. 15: Golden State Warriors, Las Vegas, T-Mobile Arena, 7:00 p.m. PT
- Thursday, Oct. 17: Phoenix Suns, Phoenix, Footprint Center, 6 p.m. PT
- Friday, Oct. 18: Golden State Warriors, San Francisco, Chase Center, 7 p.m. PT
Interestingly, the Lakers will play a set of back-to-back games to close out the exhibition season.
Opening night for the regular season will take place on Oct. 22, with the Lakers’ matchup against the Timberwolves comprising the second half of TNT’s doubleheader that evening.