http://hoopshabit.com/2014/08/17/3-thin ... on-opener/
Both of these teams experienced a disappointing offseason, as they failed to successfully recruit superstar level talent. As a result, the Lakers and Rockets will likely approach the new NBA season with something to prove — not only to the league, but especially to each other.
With copious amounts of stories and drama pervading the Lakers’ and Rockets’ seasons during the past couple of years, it’s difficult to know which stories to give ear to. Here are the top three storylines that are swirling around their pervading season opener against each other.
Kobe Bryant vs. Dwight Howard
On Oct. 28, Howard will look to punish Bryant’s Lakers and spoil their season opener in front of the Los Angeles crowd, who will look forward to continue discouraging him.
Kobe Bryant vs. James Harden
James Harden is widely considered to be the best shooting guard in the game, but the prevalence of this notion can be partly attributed to Bryant’s injury-riddled season last year. Now that he’s healthy, many Lakers’ fans expect Bryant to unleash his “Mamba” venom against James Harden while he reestablishes himself as the league’s best 2-guard.
Jeremy Lin vs. Houston
Albeit slighted by the way the Rockets treated him, perhaps nothing would assuage his indignant feelings more than avenging the Rockets with an outburst of Linsanity on opening night. Lin’s stats took a dip during his time with the Rockets for two main reasons: his numbers regressed to the mean after his explosion in New York, and coach Kevin McHale proved unable to effectively utilize his skill set. With a fresh start in L.A., Lin will look to make the Rockets regret trading him.
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This Western Conference battle that is intertwined with numerous headlines and vengeance will certainly be a spectacle for any basketball fan, and it’s taking place on the very first night of the NBA’s new season. How many days are left until opening night again?
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