The 2012-2013 NBA schedule was released on Thursday, meaning there is excitement for the upcoming full campaign, a far cry from last summer's labor unrest and the looming specter of a lockout that cost nearly two months. Here's a look at some key dates for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers open at home on October 30, opening night for the NBA, hosting the Dallas Mavericks.
Three days later the Lakers host the Los Angeles Clippers in the first of four meetings with their Staples Center co-tenants. Kobe Bryant and company play host to Chris Paul and the gang on November 2 and February 14, and wear the road purples on January 4 and April 7.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, who ended the Lakers' season in the second round of the 2012 playoffs, play host to the Lakers on December 7. The Lakers host old friend Derek Fisher on January 11 and January 27, then make a return trip to Oklahoma City on March 5.
The defending NBA champions, the Miami Heat, come to Los Angeles on January 17, while Steve Nash takes his talents to South Beach to battle LeBron James and Dwyane Wade on February 10.
The Lakers play their 14th consecutive Christmas Day on December 25 when they host Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks at Staples Center.
The annual Grammy road trip takes place from January 30 to February 10, as they hit seven stops in 12 days. Their longest road trip of the year will take the Lakers to Phoenix, Minnesota, Detroit, Brooklyn, Boston, Charlotte, and Miami.
Two battles with the longtime rival Boston Celtics take place in a two-week span in February, as Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce play host to the Lakers on February 7, with the two teams meeting again at Staples Center on February 20.
The Lakers host the Houston Rockets on April 17 to conclude their regular season, the last of three consecutive home games for the Lakers at the end of their schedule.
For more on the Lakers throughout the year, check out Silver Screen and Roll.
