LA Lakers and Bryant in spotlight for NBA opener
(Agencies)
Updated: 2003-07-30 09:40

The NBA will open a new season October 28 highlighted by a marquee matchup between Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers against the Dallas Mavericks.

 The NBA 2003-04 schedule released Tuesday also has San Antonio Spurs opening the defence of their title hosting the Phoenix Suns.

 The Philadelphia 76ers will entertain the Miami Heat in the other opening night clash but the spotlight will be focused on the Lakers and Bryant, who is awaiting trial over felony sexual assault charges.

 Even with the cloud of a trial hanging over Bryant he will be allowed to play for the Lakers, who have made a strong bid for their fourth title in five years having added veteran forward Karl Malone from Utah Jazz and Milwaukee Bucks' Gary Payton.

 Number one draft pick LeBron James makes his much anticipated NBA debut a day later when he leads the Cleveland Cavaliers into Sacramento to face the Kings.

 His NBA career will begin with a three-game road trip with stops in Sacramento, Phoenix (October 30) and Portland (November 1) before finally making his home debut November 5 against the Denver Nuggets and their highly-touted rookie Carmelo Anthony.

 Cleveland will also be part of a Christmas day (December 25) tripleheader, with James and the Cavaliers traveling to Orlando to face the Magic which will be followed by the Mavericks against the Kings and the Lakers taking on Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets later that day.

 Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets will take on the Spurs in a rematch of last season's NBA final on November 12 when they host the champions at the Meadowlands while Detroit Pistons new coach Larry Brown will make his return to Philadelphia on November 26 for a game against his former team the Sixers.

 The All-Star game is set for the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 15.