Lakers-Rockets Matchup No Longer Set To Be Broadcast On ESPN
Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

The loss of Kobe Bryant is starting to be felt by the Los Angeles Lakers not only in the win-loss column, but also in the team’s ability to attract a national audience. As one of the few teams in the NBA that gets many nationally televised games on an annual basis, the franchise is use to massive exposure on a national level every single season regardless of the players on the team.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, this season is a special circumstance with Bryant only playing six games thus far and Dwight Howard signing with the Houston Rockets in the off-season.

Ironically enough, the first Lakers game to be flexed this season is a rematch with Howard’s Rockets on Jan. 8.

According to ESPN’s Arash Markazi via Twitter:

Despite the fact that the last meeting between the Lakers and Rockets was highly entertaining and ended with a game-winning shot by Steve Blake over Howard in Houston, ESPN has decided the Phoenix Suns facing the Minnesota Timberwolves is the more attractive game for their viewers on Jan. 8. With Bryant out six weeks and potentially unable to return until February or March, the first showdown between Bryant and Howard might not take place until Feb. 19 or possibly April 8. Both games will be played in Los Angeles at the Staples Center.

_________________________________________________________________________
LeBron James Says Christmas Game Isn’t As Special Without Kobe Bryant

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Austin Reaves Has Joked With Steve Kerr & Jaren Jackson Jr. About Beating Them In Playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2023-24 season with a much deeper roster which leads some to believe they’ll be a title contender…

D’Angelo Russell Believes Rui Hachimura Will Make Big Impact For Lakers

For the most part, the Los Angeles Lakers have a good idea of what to expect from the players within their starting lineup…

Lakers Rumors: L.A. Interested in Former Blazer Brandon Roy?

The rumors keep coming for the Los Angeles Lakers, which tends to…

Lakers News: LeBron James ‘Rushed’ Back From Groin Strain Even ‘At The Expense Of Reinjuring Myself’

When LeBron James suffered a groin strain against the Golden State Warriors, there were multiple reports about the severity…