The Los Angeles Lakers face their old-time foes, the San Antonio Spurs, at 10:30 p.m. ET. Check out the free live stream online as both of the Western Conference's most successful teams in the past decade hook up for their first regular season matchup of 2013-2014.
It was the Spurs who eliminated the Lakers from playoff contention last year. It was a breeze. With no Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash or Metta World Peace in the lineup, the Lakers had nobody who could carry the team consistently in the playoffs. The Spurs shooed the Lakers away in four games and went on to also sweep the Memphis Grizzlies. They were just seconds away from winning the title, before the Miami Heat and LeBron James struck in the closing moments of Game 6.
The Spurs are old. That is a given, but they have always done a great job putting together players that have solid chemistry. The Spurs get role players that know what their job is in the Spurs' lineup and as Coach Gregg Poppovic said it best, players "who have gotten over themselves." To play for the Spurs you cannot be selfish or have an ego. The Spurs are led by Tim Duncan and Tony Parker who the best of the best in the business in their respective positions.
The Lakers appeared too old last season. They will once again miss Bryant for a portion of the season as he continues to recuperate from his Achilles injury, but they are younger and faster. This would enable the Lakers to keep up with the Spurs. Like many witnessed in their season opener, the Lakers can score points and they have a better bench. They will have to prove they can repeat the performance, but it was one hell of a show.
The Lakers might be riddled by injuries, but the Spurs are not coming into this game completely healthy either. Duncan will be out after suffering an injury to his chest in the season opener. That could only spell trouble for the Lakers as somebody younger and faster will likely fill his spot on the floor.
The Spurs are 1-0 in the season after a 101-94 victory over the Memphis Grizzles, while the Lakers are 1-1 after winning their season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers, but then dropping their latest meeting against the Golden State Warriors.
Click here to watch the live stream, free online, as the Lakers and Spurs meet at 10:30 p.m. ET.