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5 Must-Watch Games For The Los Angeles Lakers In 2015-16

By Jackson Sanders

Dec 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) celebrates after passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) celebrates after passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) laughs at a call in the game against the Orlando Magic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. the Orlando Magic beat the Indiana Pacers by the score of 96-93. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) laughs at a call in the game against the Orlando Magic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. the Orlando Magic beat the Indiana Pacers by the score of 96-93. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Feb. 8 at Indiana Pacers: Roy Hibbert’s Return

How often does a player go from All-Star to discarded piece of trash in the span of a little more than one year? In the case of the Pacers vs. Roy Hibbert, that’s about what happened.

After anchoring an elite defense for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference in 2013-14, Hibbert no longer fit into the Pacers’ plans after a down 2014-15 season. The team’s desire to play at a faster pace — one the lumbering 7’2” center is not suited for — led to a somewhat messy divorce.

For what it’s worth, Frank Vogel did speak highly of Hibbert as a player, despite announcing his inevitably diminished role (see end of this piece). Still, any player who is told to get off the court will have some hurt feelings.

Now a member of the center-needy Lakers, Hibbert will have the chance to exact his revenge on the only other NBA team he has ever known, back in his old stomping grounds. Hibbert’s likely opponent? Former Laker Jordan Hill, who was not re-signed after a disappointing season in 2014-15.

This game surely won’t have the drama that Dwight versus Kobe had last season, but it should be an emotionally charged meeting.

Next: Generational Clash

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