Two iconic franchises on the rebound. Two superstars looking to bounce back from injury-shortened seasons and lead their teams back to the playoffs. Four first-round picks from the last two Drafts, and two more representatives from last year’s All-Rookie teams.
New York and Los Angeles are separated by 3,000 miles, but enter this season connected by decades of history, shared personnel and, thanks to an influx of promising young talent and solid veteran reinforcements, bright hopes for the future.
When they square off for a Sunday matinee in early November, both past and future will be on display; we could be witnessing Kobe Bryant’s final appearance at the Garden, and 2nd overall pick D’Angelo Russell’s first. We’ll get our first chance to watch decorated big men prospects Julius Randle (the bruiser from Kentucky selected 7th in 2014) and Kristaps Porzingis go head-to-head in a fascinating contrast of styles. And two of last season’s best stories, Jordan Clarkson (46th pick in 2014) and Langston Galloway (undrafted), will be looking to build on breakout rookie seasons.
In their seventh game of the season, the Knicks will get their first respite from a slate that begins with six contests against 2014-15 playoff teams, although L.A. expects drastic improvement after notching just 21 wins last year. Like the Knicks, who added Robin Lopez, Arron Afflalo and other vets, the Lakers improved their roster balance by acquiring Roy Hibbert, Brandon Bass and Lou Williams.
It’s another crack at their former organization for Phil Jackson, Derek Fisher and Co., only this time with a roster suited to play in their style and an infusion of leadership and talent. Come for the history, stay for a glimpse of the future. We should be in for a hard-fought matchup at the Mecca.