Game #24: Kings vs. Lakers Preview

Dec 12, 2016
2 min read

“Revenge is sweet and not fattening”

What: Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers

When: 7:30 P.M. PT

Where: Golden 1 Center (Sacramento, CA)

How to Watch: CSN California

How to Listen: KHTK Sports 1140

The 8-15 Kings come into this game on a 2-game losing streak. After a quick and great start in Utah against the Jazz, the Kings blew an 11-0 lead and struggled much of the rest of the game. They scored a measly 8 points in the 4th quarter, shooting 3-22 from the field. The Kings have a chance to right their wrongs once again tonight at home against a young and fiery Los Angeles Lakers team who are coming off of 6 straight losses. It’s not going to be easy for the Kings who lost to the Lakers at home earlier this season 101-91. The Lakers lost in their last outing against the Knicks at home. In that game, the Lakers had a little bit more help when starting point guard D’Angelo Russell and Guard/Forward Nick Young rejoined the team after being out a couple of weeks with injuries.

Limit the 3’s

This Lakers team loves to shoot the long ball and if you let them, they can get hot from 3 fast. The Kings haven’t done a great job at limiting 3 pointers this season. They must close out on shooters and make sure to contain this LA team from behind the arc. They allowed the Lakers to make nine 3-pointers in the last game, some of which came at crucial moments in the game. Just about every position on their team can shoot from deep.

Make Your Shots

Let’s face it; the Kings probably wouldn’t have 1 win without All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins who’s averaging 28.2 points and 10.7 rebounds. That’s not a knock at the rest of the talent on the Kings team, but it is a knock at their lack of shot making. Besides Rudy Gay (who is usually reliable in the rare occasions where Cuz is having an off night), the Kings haven’t proven they can step up and help Cousins win games. Coach Dave Joerger has tried many different rotations and line-ups and none seem to be working. This season has been all about DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay (Mostly Cousins). The rest of the team has to start showing up and knocking down shots, especially from 3 if this team wants to see any success this season and that all starts tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers, who allow opponents to shoot 48% on them from the field.