Los Angeles Lakers' 2011 Schedule: 10 Must-See Games

As 2011 approaches, some of the Lakers' most intriguing and difficult games of the season are on the horizon. To reclaim the best record in the Western Conference, and get into championship form, the team will have to go through the best teams in the league.

Here are 10 must-see games as the calendar turns from 2010 to 2011.

Oklahoma City Thunder, Jan. 17

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NEW YORK - DECEMBER 22: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 22, 2010 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading a

This is the first meeting between the two teams since their first round playoff series last spring. The Thunder were a Pau Gasol buzzer-beater away from forcing the series to a seventh game.

@ Dallas Mavericks, Jan. 19

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DALLAS - NOVEMBER 27: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots over Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat on November 27, 2010 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading an

Right now, the Lakers are trailing the Mavericks in the Western Conference standings. This will give the Lakers a chance to make up ground in the standings, and we will get to see how the improved Mavericks stack up against the Lakers.

Boston Celtics, Jan. 30

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BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 16: Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics celebrates his basket against the Atlanta Hawks on December 16, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Hawks 102-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowled

In a rematch of last year's NBA Finals, the two teams lock horns for the first time this season. For fans of both teams, this game has been circled since the schedule was released last August.

@ Boston Celtics, Feb. 10

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BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 16: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics looks on from the bench in the first half against the Atlanta Hawks on December 16, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

Less than two weeks after their first meeting of the season, the two teams play again in Boston. One team will be seeking revenge after their Jan. 30 showdown.

@ New York Knicks, Feb. 11

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 28: Forward Amar'e Stoudemire #1 of the New York Knicks during a Miami Heat game at American Airlines Arena on December 28, 2010 in Miami, Florida. the Heat defeated the Knicks 106-98. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Considering the Knicks are once again relevant, and how much Kobe loves playing in the Garden, this game will have a lot of electricity.

@ Orlando Magic, Feb. 13

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ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 18: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic chases down a loose ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Amway Arena on December 18, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

These two title contenders square off in Orlando for the first time this season. The new look Magic will be using this game as a measuring stick to see how they stack up against the defending champs.

@ Portland Trail Blazers, Feb. 23

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DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 15: Guard Brandon Roy #7 of the Portland Trail Blazers at American Airlines Center on December 15, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User

The Lakers will travel to the Rose Garden for the first time this season. The Lakers have had problems winning in Portland over the past decade. Throw in the fact that the Portland faithful hate the Lakers, and this should be an intriguing game.

@ Miami Heat, March 10

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HOUSTON - DECEMBER 29: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat and Dwyane Wade during first period action against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on December 29, 2010 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downlo

The Lakers will attempt to avenge their embarassing loss against the Heat on Christmas Day, as they take their talents to South Beach in early March.

@ Utah Jazz, April 1

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: Deron Williams #8 of the Utah Jazz controls the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 29, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Jazz won 103-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

This late season game could have playoff seeding implications. The Lakers will try to go into the hostile confines of Salt Lake City and steal a win.

San Antonio Spurs, April 12

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 01: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs pauses with the ball in front of DeAndre Jordan #9 of the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center on December 1, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ackn

In the second-to-last game of the season, the Lakers and Spurs play in Los Angeles. Right now, the Lakers are trying to catch the Spurs for the top seed in the Western Conference. This game could potentially determine who claims the No. 1 seed in the West.