The 2008-2009 NBA schedule was released today by the league. The Lakers will open the regular season against Portland at Staples Center on October 28, 2008.

The Lakers playing on Christmas Day has become a yearly tradition, and again they will take center stage this year, hosting the World Champion Boston Celtics in a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals.

The Lakers will also appear on the ABC national telecast five times, 10 times on TNT, and 10 more times on ESPN. The team closes out their 82-game schedule at home to Utah on April 14th.

It is worthy to note that the Lakers have two brutal trips where they play 7-straight on the road, once from January 30 – February 8, and then March 21 – April 1.

To see the complete schedule, go to our 2008-2009 Lakers Regular Season Schedule/Results.