Basketball: NBA 2003/2004 Schedule released

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Some key dates

Tuesday, Oct. 28
Dallas at L.A. Lakers: Starting 14-0 won't be so easy this time for the Mavericks, who open the season on the road at Springfield West, also known as the Staples Center and the new home of future Hall of Famers Karl Malone and Gary Payton.

Wednesday, Oct. 29
Cleveland at Sacramento: The matchup makes for a catchy promo ("The reign of King James begins against the Kings!"), but couldn't the league have given LeBron James an easier initiation than playing arguably the best team in 2002-03 at the NBA's rowdiest arena? Welcome to the league, Rookie.

Wednesday, Nov. 5
Denver at Cleveland: The first official LeBron vs. Carmelo Anthony meeting makes James' first home game at Gund Arena extra special. Let the race for Rookie of the Year begin.

Thursday, Nov. 6 (my birthday )
L.A. Lakers at San Antonio: What will be more weird for the Lakers? Hearing the SBC Center's PA announcer screech "YOUR world champion Spursssssss," or seeing Robert Horry playing for the home team?

Wednesday, Jan. 7
L.A. Lakers at Denver: The Pepsi Center court will hardly serve as a sanctuary for Kobe Bryant, who's facing a sexual assault charge in Colorado. Bryant's Lakers return to Denver on Feb. 25.

I cant wait until they air a Cavaliers vs. Magic game. LeBron James and TMac are almost identical physically, and we'll see by then how good LeBron really can be.