There are a lot of things that could happen when the face of the NBA joins the most popular team in the league. One of them is getting the best opportunity to attract the most eyeballs to watch that team’s game.
Of course, we are talking about LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, who have the most national TV games for the upcoming 2018-19 NBA season.
The national television standings from the full NBA sked (ABC/ESPN, TNT, NBA TV)…
1: Lakers (43)
2. Golden State (40)
t3. Boston, Houston, Philly (39)
4. OKC (36)No other teams are in the 30s (sidenote: San Antonio has 25)
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) August 10, 2018
More than half of the Lakers’ regular-season games are going to be broadcast nationally, which isn’t just a dizzying fraction, but also a testament to the blend of immense popularity and public demand and curiosity for the new-look Los Angeles team that is looking to right the ship after years of awfulness.
The Lakers have not finished a season with a winning record since 2012-2013 – also the last time they managed to sneak into the playoffs. Since then, the Lakers’ best record was a 35-47 last season.
The team’s faith is expected to change next season with James leading a bunch of youngsters and outcast veterans. James, who signed a huge four-year, $153.3 million deal with the Lakers early last month, now carries the heavy burden of guiding a struggling but proud franchise back to being a relevant NBA team again.
Apart from James, the national TV audience will also get to watch Lakers newcomers such as JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley, and Rajon Rondo.
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