Final score: Lakers 24, Clippers 4
Thanks to Kobe Bryant, the Lakers are set for 24 national TV games — the same as last year -- according to the NBA's 2007-08 schedule released Thursday.
Nine of their appearances are on TNT, eight go to ESPN and five are on ABC, including Christmas Day hosting Phoenix, Jan. 27 at home against Cleveland and Feb. 10 at Miami.
The Clippers have three on ESPN, one on TNT (vs. the Lakers in April) and none on ABC.
The NBA has three games on Christmas, with the Lakers staying at Staples Center to face the Suns at 2:15 p.m., after Miami visits Cleveland at 11 a.m. on ABC. It is capped off by Greg Oden and Portland hosting Kevin Durant and Seattle at 5 p.m. on ESPN.
The Lakers and Heat had played every Christmas since 2004, since Shaquille O’Neal was traded away.
The Lakers open the season Tuesday, Oct. 30 at home against Houston on TNT, while the Clippers open at home Friday, Nov. 2 against Golden State. The regular season ends April 16.