For a team like the Los Angeles Lakers, that is full of young talent and possesses one of the top picks in the draft, the Summer League is something to look forward to.
Last summer, many looked forward to a Lakers Summer League team that included D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson, as well popular and promising big man Robert Upshaw. While the Lakers’ actual roster is still unknown, they will surely be one of the most watched teams again this year.
What is known is when the Lakers will be taking the floor for Summer League as the NBA announced that they will have their first game on July 8 against the New Orleans Pelicans. The big matchup, however, will take place the following day as the Lakers will take on the Philadelphia 76ers in a battle of the top two draft picks this year
The Lakers’ third and final preliminary game will take place on July 11 against the Golden State Warriors. After the three games, all of the teams will be seeded for the playoff tournament.
The Lakers’ Summer League team will surely be one to watch as Russell is expected to play along with Larry Nance Jr. according to Mark Medina of the LA Daily News:
Lakers' No. 2 & 32 picks, D'Angelo Russell, Larry Nance Jr. & Anthony Brown plan to play in Summer League. Randle & Clarkson expected to sit
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) June 21, 2016
Summer League will definitely be worth watching for all those excited to get a first look at the Lakers’ newest talent. It will also give everyone a chance to see how much players like Russell, Nance, and Anthony Brown have improved.
Team’s press release below:
LAKERS ANNOUNCE 2016 SUMMER LEAGUE SCHEDULE
EL SEGUNDO – The National Basketball Association announced today the schedule for the 2016 Samsung NBA Summer League, with the Lakers officially tipping off on Friday, July 8 in Las Vegas against the New Orleans Pelicans. The two remaining scheduled games are against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, July 9, and the Golden State Warriors on Monday, July 11. The top two picks in Thursday’s NBA Draft will face off in the July 9 contest, with the Lakers holding the second overall selection and Philadelphia possessing the top overall pick. All three contests will take place at the Thomas & Mack Center.
After competing in the three preliminary games, teams will be seeded in a tournament that starts on July 13 and concludes with the championship game on July 18. Each team is guaranteed to play at least five games.
All Lakers summer league games will be televised on Time Warner Cable SportsNet and Time Warner Cable Deportes, as well as ESPN and NBATV.
Tickets for the Samsung NBA Summer League are on sale now. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting NBATickets.com.