time and stayed close through the years: James, Rockets guard Chris Paul, Rockets forward Carmelo Anthony and Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade.

James' first Lakers game at Staples will come two days later, when the Lakers play the Houston Rockets. The game will start at 7:30 p.m. and ESPN will broadcast it nationally in a Saturday night primetime matchup.

It marks the second time in three years the Lakers' home opener has come against Houston, but the two teams' rosters will look far different this time around. This game will feature three of the Banana Boat quartet, a group of NBA stars that came into the league at the same time and stayed close through the years: James, Rockets guard Chris Paul, Rockets forward Carmelo Anthony and Miami Heat guardDwyane Wade.

Kawhi Comes Home: Nov. 4 vs. Toronto Raptors

LeBron James: "The Next Step in My Journey"

On the day that LeBron James opened his own public school in Akron, Ohio, he discussed the beginning of a new chapter in his life and his expectations upon joining the Lakers.

(Published Monday, July 30, 2018)

After superstar and former NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard spent most of the summer trying to force a trade from the San Antonio Spurs to his hometown Lakers, the Spurs dealt him to the Toronto Raptors on July 19.

Leonard, who grew up in Riverside, reportedly wants to play in Los Angeles long term. The Raptors' early season trip to LA may serve as an extended audition for both Leonard and the Lakers before the forward hits free agency