As the new schedules have been released for the 2023-24 season, the Los Angeles Lakers will play in more than 40 nationally televised games. This will include 11 games on TNT, 12 on NBA TV, 11 on ESPN, and six on ABC. 
Despite a subpar 43-39 record last season, the Lakers managed to make it all the way to the Western Conference Finals as the seventh seed. While LeBron James is entering his 21st season, all eyes will be on the Lakers to see if they can capture their 18th championship.
October 24 @ Nuggets (TNT)
The Lakers will take part in the NBA season-opener, which will be a rematch of the Western Conference Finals. The Denver Nuggets have somewhat become the Lakers’ nemesis this past summer, as they have been rubbing in their championship win. Even Nuggets coach Mike Malone has made some comments about LeBron’s age, and we all know the Lakers’ star has used disrespect as motivation throughout his career. As the season opens, James appears to be ready to come back with a vengeance. Certainly, all will be tuned in to watch as Nikola Jokic returns from taking care of his horses in Serbia to host King James and company in Denver.
October 26 vs. Suns (TNT)
The home opener is going to be a matchup against the newly assembled Phoenix Suns, as the Lakers will host Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Deandre Ayton. This game will mark the first time LeBron has faced Durant since Christmas 2018. To note, LBJ has the upper hand with a career 15-6 regular-season record vs. KD.
November 1 vs. Clippers (ESPN)
The battle of LA will take place at Crypto.com Arena, where both teams call home. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will try to help Russell Westbrook avenge his old team. Important to note, that the Clippers are currently on an 11-game win streak vs. the Lakers.
November 25 @ Cavaliers
This will be LeBron’s 11th time returning to Cleveland to play against his old team. The Cavs have only beaten James three times — but won both matchups last year.
December 12 @ Mavericks (TNT)
LeBron and Anthony Davis will travel to the “Lone Star State” to take on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. With Kyrie signing a three-year, $126 million contract to stay in Dallas, the rumors of the star coming to LA in free agency have been put to rest. Even so, the Kyrie vs. LeBron narrative will always draw interest from fans. The Lakers only won one game against the Mavs in their four meetings last season.
December 13 @ Spurs (NBA TV)
This game will bring about the much-anticipated matchup of seeing the rookie who is known as “the greatest prospect since LeBron,” Victor Wembanyama, go head-to-head vs. James. The two teams will also face off again in a rematch on December 15 at the AT&T Center, which will be broadcast on ESPN. Last season, these two teams were both top three in the league in pace, but the Lakers won all four matchups vs. the Spurs.
December 25 vs. Celtics (ABC)
The biggest historical rivalry in the NBA will take place on Christmas Day, as the Lakers host the Boston Celtics. Notably, the Lakers have the most Christmas wins in NBA history with a 24-25 record. As for this particular matchup, the Lakers lost in overtime in both games last year vs. the Celtics.
January 3 vs. Heat (ESPN)
This game will feature a rematch of the 2020 NBA Finals, as Jimmy Butler and last year’s Eastern Conference champs will take on the Lakers during their West road trip. Last year these two teams matched up twice and split the pair.
January 5 vs. Grizzlies (ESPN)
When looking at last season’s rivalry, the matchup between LA and Memphis included a lot of trash talk and even in-game altercations. This game will be a rematch of last year’s first-round playoff series, in which the Lakers won 4-2 vs. the two-seeded Grizzlies. To note, the main culprit behind the drama, Dillon Brooks, is now in Houston via a sign-and-trade deal. Nevertheless, there will be no love lost between both teams. To note, in 2022-2023, the Lakers won the regular season series 2-1.
January 27 @ Warriors (ABC)
This game will be a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Semifinals playoff matchup. James will look to continue his recent success over his long-time foe, as the Lakers went 3-1 in the regular season and 4-2 in the playoffs vs. Golden State last season.
March 13 @ Kings (ESPN)
Sacramento and LA had some exciting and close battles last season, with the Kings winning three of the four matchups. In the sole game that the Lakers won, both teams put up a combined 170 points in regulation (136-134). This matchup will be broadcast two times on ESPN this season; fans are expecting a shootout.
March 26 @ Bucks (TNT)
This interconference primetime game will highlight the matchup between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Davis, in which AD has won 11 of 19 times. Last season in a game that featured both players, each put up 40+ points. This one will take place late in the year and should be a good indication of where the teams are at as they presumably head into the playoffs.
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