NBA Opening Day: 2019 vs 2020 - 5 striking changes

#3 The favorites

LA Lakers

During the 2019 NBA opening day, while the LA Lakers were definitely considered as contenders by many, the LA Clippers were considered favorites by most, if not all. But oh, how things can change in just a year.

The Lakers went on to go all the way, while their rivals from LA struggled to make it past the second round in postseason. This has resulted in the tables turning in favor of the LA Lakers ahead of the 2020 NBA season.

The LA Clippers are indeed still considered to be contenders to win the championship this year. But they will have to do a lot before fans consider them to be favorites once again.

#2 Doc Rivers

Doc Rivers

In 2019, Doc Rivers was considered as arguably the best head coach in the NBA and was in charge of a very powerful and talented LA Clippers team that faced off against the LA Lakers on the NBA opening day.

𝙼𝙴𝙳𝙸𝙰 𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙸𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈 | 𝟷𝟸.𝟷𝟾.𝟸𝟶"There are going to be nights that our bench is going to win games for us." pic.twitter.com/bsV1zslhPY

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 19, 2020

While the start of this upcoming season may have the Clippers and Lakers facing off, Doc Rivers won't be present to watch this game from the bench. And while many will be looking forward to what he does with the Philadelphia 76ers, he will no doubt be missed by fans of both teams in this year's NBA opening day.

#1 Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka

Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol

Two veterans that became champions together, both Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol decided to leave Toronto and move to LA during the last postseason. However, despite deciding on the same city, the players are now on two different teams.

With the battle for Los Angeles more fierce than ever, fans will be excited to see what the former teammates can bring to the table for their respective sides.

Despite the changed circumstances, it's still set up to be an incredible 2020 NBA opening day.

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