Lakers 2016-17 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off the worst season in franchise history, but Thursday’s schedule release for the 2016-17 NBA regular season generated feelings of hopefulness and new beginnings for the storied organization.

Kobe Bryant is no longer in the fold after retiring in epic fashion on the heels of a 60-point performance, but No. 2 overall draft pick Brandon Ingram will look to take his place as the face of the franchise. Youngsters, such as D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson, are expected to make significant strides as well.

Add in free-agent acquisitions, such as Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov, and the Lakers may have the pieces in place to improve upon the meager win total of 17 that they posted in 2015-16.

Here is a full rundown of L.A.’s schedule during the upcoming season, along with a closer look at some of the top matchups and predictions for how the team will fare.

2016-17 Details

Season Opener: Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 10:30 p.m. ET vs. Houston Rockets

Championship Odds: 200-1 (via Odds Shark)

Full Schedule: NBA.com

Top Matchups

Philadelphia 76ers

First Overall Matchup: Friday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. ET at Philadelphia

The Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers were the NBA’s two worst teams in 2015-16, combining for just 27 wins, but there promises to be plenty of fanfare when they meet for the first time in 2016-17.

That is due to the fact that the contest will feature the top two selections from the 2016 NBA draft in Ben Simmons and Ingram.

The Sixers had their pick of the litter, and they decided to go with the LSU forward over Ingram, which is something the former Duke standout could use to his advantage as motivation.

Ingram and Simmons did face off once during the Summer League, and although the intensity and meaning of a regular-season game are far different, Simmons came out on top in …

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