Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Must-Watch Games For 2014-15

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Jul 18, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau (left) and general manager Gar Forman (right) pose for a photo with newly signed center Pau Gasol during a press conference at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Lakers @ Chicago Bulls

Thursday, Dec. 25 (TNT)

By the time this game appears on the docket, we will be well aware of how the returns of Derrick Rose and Kobe Bryant are going. There will be plenty of freshly played games by both (hopefully), and we will understand how their games have been altered by their long absences. These two would be the key storyline if this game was played on opening night.

But this one is all about Pau Gasol.

This is Gasol’s first game against the Lakers since being traded there in 2008. After three Finals appearances, two championships, and countless memories, he is the enemy.

I thought about putting Pau’s return to Los Angeles on this list instead, but that will be a more ceremonious occasion (which all Laker fans will want to tune into as well), and this one might just promise the best basketball between the two clubs.

This game is like seeing your girlfriend at a party with another guy; and the party is at his house.

Emotions will run high in this one, and it should be a good game.

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