All eyes are on a number of potential games popping up when the NBA releases its opening week, Christmas Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. slates on Wednesday afternoon. One of those games is the debut of LeBron James in his new digs, as everyone wants to know exactly when we’ll see James take the floor in the purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The good news is that we know when that game is going to happen, but the bad news for Lakers fans is that it won’t happen in Los Angeles. According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, James and co. will ship up to Portland and take on the Trail Blazers on Oct. 18, 2018.
LeBron James and the Lakers open their season on October 18 on the road against the Blazers, per league sources.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) August 8, 2018
It does come off as a bit anti-climactic, as you would think the NBA would want to have James suit up for the first time as a Laker in front of the crowd at Staples Center. But looking back, this isn’t totally unprecedented, as James’ first game upon joining the Miami Heat took place in Boston against the Celtics. Lakers fans will hope James’ debut with Los Angeles goes a little different than his debut with Miami, though, as the Heat lost that game, 88-80.
Starting the season against a Portland squad fresh off of a 49-win season and a postseason appearance is going to be a good test for these new-look Lakers. The only downside, though, may be where the game is taking place.
