Lakers schedule 2013: Challenges come early and often for Los Angeles

So while the 2013-14 season opens with talk of Kobe’s surgically repaired Achilles instead of his quest for a sixth championship, this Lakers team isn’t off the map. There’s still Hollywood, there’s still Kobe, and we shouldn’t discount what a more stable environment could do for the future Hall of Fame inductees.

Feb. 19 vs. Rockets -- Dwight Howard’s first visit to Staples Center in a Rockets uniform presumably won’t be met with cheerful applause. It’s actually the third time these two teams tip-off next season, including an early-season contest on Nov. 7, but the first two matchups are both in Houston.

The Lakers have 19 back-to-back contests this season, beginning with the first two games of the season against the Clippers and Warriors. Some of those scenarios should be especially difficult, including consecutive road games against Indiana and Memphis on Feb. 25-26, and a similar situation a month later with OKC and San Antonio.

Winning two road games in two days against two title contenders is a lot to ask, but the Lakers will face that challenge on multiple instances in 2013-14. The Grammy road trip, which keeps L.A. on the road for two weeks in January, will also feature some tough matchups, including a four-game stretch against Chicago, Miami, Orlando and New York.

Things ease up for the Lakers in late November following a few tough weeks to begin the season. From Nov. 24 to Dec. 10, the team will play eight games, including three at home against Toronto, Phoenix and Sacramento, all likely lottery teams.

With a deep Western Conference and an emerging middle class of contenders in the East, particularly easy stretches are rare for L.A. At one point next year, the team will play a four-game stretch against Charlotte, Minnesota, Cleveland and Philadelphia, but that’s followed up by games against Chicago, Utah, OKC and Houston.

Back-to-backs: 19

Season opener: Oct. 29 vs. Clippers

Home opener: Oct. 29 vs. Clippers

Longest road trip: 7 games (Jan. 15-26)

Longest homestand: 6 games (Feb. 9-23)