The post-Kobe Bryant era begins for the Los Angeles Lakers when they host the Houston Rockets last season. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:30pm (AEDT).
For the first time since he began his career in 1996, the Lakers will be without Bryant and after a disastrous 2015-16 season it will be very much a rebuilding campaign for the Lakers.
With Bryant moving on, it’s finally time for the Lakers’ younger stars, led by point guard D’Angelo Russell, to stand up and be counted.
The Lakers made a couple of reasonable signings during the off-season, but they will be lacking the star power to fire them towards a playoff berth after finishing last in the West in 15-16.
Luol Deng and centre Timofey Mozgov headline their recruits and the pressure will be on Deng for him to lead the way with his scoring. His combination with Russell will be crucial.
The question for the Lakers is how number two draft pick Brandon Ingram will perform. The forward has been promising yet inconsistent during the pre-season. He has given glimpses of how he can shoot and rebound but consistency is needed if he is going to bring something extra to LA.
The Rockets’ biggest problems last year were team unity and defence, which was virtually non-existent. A big part of that problem was James Harden, who is still at the franchise.
In terms of the team being on the same page and having a larger presence in the post, though, Dwight Howard has been shipped off and so their effort on the glass at both ends should improve.
Howard has got to the point where he wasn’t doing much more than just standing there and hoping the ball would come his way. Clint Capela and Nene are likely to form a two-pronged centre pairing this time around that should propel the Rockets on offence.
All the talk in the pre-season is that with Harden likely to move to point guard and run the offence under Mike D’Antonio and it should make them a very exciting side to watch.
If their defence improves enough, then Houston could be in for a strong season, however, it looks like there will be more inconsistency than anything else and they could well struggle to break 41 wins.
There is no questioning the offensive potential they have – Harden one of the better shooters in the league – but they have to score enough points to allow for their well below average defence.
Last season’s series between the clubs saw Houston not drop a match.
Prediction
At home, the Lakers will be out to impress but they are very much rebuilding. If Deng and Russell combine well they are a chance, but Houston should have too much offence with Harden leading the way.
Rockets by 7.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this early season NBA match from 1:30pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to get involved by dropping a comment below.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me today on The Roar for our live coverage of the 2016-17 NBA Season as the Los Angeles picked up a win with a massive second half over the Houston Rockets. Hopefully you enjoyed the coverage. Our coverage of the NBA Season continues tomorrow with Connor Bennett on board to bring you the Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls from 11am (AEDT). I'll be back tonight for NBL with the Cairns Taipans playing host to Melbourne United from 7:30pm (AEDT). Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME The Rockets miss a couple of threes but with time running down it was never going to matter. The rebuilding Lakers get the job done in their first game in the post Kobe-Bryant era! Luke Walton gets a victory in his first game as head coach, thanks in large part to Jordan Clarkson who put up 22 second half points. Houston will be well and truly disappointed letting that one slip with a shocking second half. Los Angeles Lakers 120 Houston Rockets 114
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' The Lakers now turn it over on the inbound and Houston now want to call time. Lakers - 120 Rockets - 114
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' The Lakers struggling to get the ball in and they call another timeout. Lakers - 120 Rockets - 114
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' The Rockets now with it and Anderson fires a triple straight away but it misses. Russell with a turnover and Harden goes to Gordon who misses from deep. Lakers come down with it and the Rockets decide not to foul. Eventually Russell under pressure on the wing and a time out is called. 15.5 seconds on the clock and still a six point game. Lakers - 120 Rockets - 114
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' This has been an amazing run from LA. Time out called by Houston and they will need a Harden special to get out of this one with a W. Lakers - 120 Rockets - 114
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Randle now running the clock before driving inside, working on Nene and lays it in! WOW! Los Angeles are on fire, and most of it is Clarkson. 6 point game with 45 seconds to go. Lakers - 120 Rockets - 114
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Air ball from Nick Young but it falls straight into the path of Clarkson who lays it in. He now scrambles back on defence and causes a turnover. Lakers - 118 Rockets - 114
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Ariza to Nene now and he makes a lucky shot off the glass. Lakers - 116 Rockets - 114
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Eric Gordon now misses a three for Houston early in the shot clock before CLARKSON fires and hits from the carpark! WHAT A SHOT. Lakers - 116 Rockets - 112
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' The Rockets bring it down through Harden and he then crossover on Randle before driving, but great scramble from Randle sees him come up with a rejection. Nene gets a rejection of his own at the other end. Lakers - 113 Rockets - 112
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' Russell makes one Lakers - 113 Rockets - 112
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' The Lakers now through Russell and he works his way around the defence, into the paint and draws a foul against Nene. Both teams in the bonus now. Lakers - 112 Rockets - 112
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' Harden sinks both. Lakers - 112 Rockets - 112
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' Randle now commits a quick foul as the Rockets bring it down the floor through Harden and he will go to the strike. We have a timeout before these free throws. Lakers - 112 Rockets - 110
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 3' The Lakers now with it and slowing the pace down before Russell fires up a three and it misses, but Deng is there with the put back. Lakers - 112 Rockets - 110
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 3' The Lakers bring it through Russell and he looks for a behind the back pass that goes to Ariza who then passes to Gordon but he misses. Lakers - 110 Rockets - 110
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 3' Harden good on both. Lakers - 110 Rockets - 110
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 3' Dumb foul from Nick Young and that's his fifth personal. Sends Houston into the bonus as well so Harden will go to the line. Lakers - 110 Rockets - 108
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 4' Harden walks up the floor and has Randle defending him. Throws up the three and that's an air ball so the Lakers fly the other way and Young misses one of his own. Lakers - 110 Rockets - 108