In 2009-2010, the Lakers played a total of 20 sets of back-to-back games. In those 40 games, the Lakers managed 25 wins and 15 losses. In the first game of the back-to-back contests, the Lakers posted a record of 12-8. In the second leg of the back-to-backs, the Lakers finished 13-7. Of the 40 total games, only eight were played at Staples Center, and 32 were played on the road. While a 25-15 record in back-to-back games is nothing to sneeze at, if they had played a little better in back-to-back games, (I know, I know, I am getting picky here) they could have held home court advantage against the entire Eastern Conference. Remember, the Lakers finished with the third best overall record in the league last year, behind Cleveland, and Orlando. Many people believed the Lakers would be facing one of these squads if they made the finals. Well, Boston decided to crash the party, and fortunately the Lakers had home court advantage and got to play game seven at Staples Center. Had they played Orlando or Cleveland they would not have had that privilege. The schedule makers had a little mercy this season on the back-to-back, defending champs. For the 2010-2011 season, the Lakers play a total of 15 sets of back-to-backs, which is the lowest in the NBA. How the Lakers fare this season in their back-to-back games will play a big role in them clinching the league’s best overall record. Below, I analyze and predict the Lakers’ fate in their 15 sets of back-to-backs for the 2010-2011 season.
November 2-3, Memphis, @ Sacramento- Even though Kobe may not quite be 100 percent from his knee surgery, and Bynum is projected to be out until later in the month, the Lakers should not lose these two games to two perennial lottery bound teams. I look for the Lakers to have a very strong start to the season, trying to keep pace with the Heat. Final verdict: 2-0
November 16-17 ...
