How the Lakers’ schedule could help them early in the season

Connor Moreno of Silver Screen and Roll writes that the Los Angeles Lakers could benefit from a favorable early-season schedule to compensate for limited preseason chemistry. The new core featuring Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler played only one half together during five preseason games due to multiple injuries. Los Angeles will face a manageable 10-game opening stretch that includes two matchups each against the Warriors, Clippers, and Trail Blazers.

Moreno notes that the Lakers enter the year holding the 18th-toughest schedule in the NBA. Head coach JJ Redick emphasized that despite ongoing health concerns and integration challenges, the team expects to compete for victories immediately. Role players Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr will miss the season opener against Golden State, while Collin Sexton remains questionable with a calf strain.