The Lakers will play in their first road game of the season in Sacramento on Sunday where they will take on the Kings. The purple and gold look to make it two wins a row after a strong blowout victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings
When: 6 p.m. PT, Oct 26
Where: Golden 1 Center
Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet
Game two of the season went as well as it possibly could for the Lakers. They finally played well in the third quarter
where they outscored the Wolves 40-31, Luka Dončić went supernova with 49 points and got the help he needed from his teammates, the ball was moving on offense, the team’s defense showed signs of improvement and, most importantly, they played hard.
As JJ Redick alluded postgame, it was the perfect performance to build on, especially now that the Lakers head on the road. It’s proof that they’re capable of performing at a high level when they play with a certain type of physicality and energy. Now, it’s time to test whether or not the team can do this consistently, especially in a tougher environment.
Playing in Sacramento is never a walk in the park, no matter who suits up for them. Over the last six years, these games early in the season against the Kings always end up being nail-bitters and it wouldn’t be a surprise if that’s going to be case again on Sunday. The Kings are coming off two close games, which they split against the Phoenix and Utah, winning one point against the Jazz led by Zach LaVine’s 31 points and Malik Monk’s 20.
The Kings may have arguably one of the most questionable roster constructions in the league, but that doesn’t mean they can’t win games. They’re composed of microwave scorers who can get hot and go off any game. The Lakers’ defense will have to be prepared for this one.
The matchup between Deandre Ayton and Domantas Sabonis should be a fun one and a test for the former on how he will handle physical and offensive oriented big men. The Kings also might not have anyone to guard Dončić, who put up 92 points combined in the last two games and became the first player in Lakers history to record back-to-back 40-point games to start a season. If Dončić stays hot on offense and gets enough help from his teammates like last game, Los Angeles should be able to win this one.
It’s not going to be easy but this is a winnable game for the purple and gold. It’s one that they should think of putting to bed early as they’re on the first night of a back-to-back. It would be nice to see the team put together their first winning streak of the season and win their first road game. That’s the goal for the Lakers’ next game on Sunday.
Notes and Updates
- Last season, the Lakers swept the Kings (4-0) in the regular season after the latter did the same two years ago. Hopefully, a repeat of last season happens again this year.
- It may be too early to lean into data this early in the season but one particular trend to note so far this season is that the Kings rank 28th in the league in 3-point attempts. Look for them to score inside the paint or in the midrange.
- For the Lakers’ injury report, LeBron James (sciatica) and Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery), Maxi Kleber (abdominal muscle strain) are out. Luka Doncic (left finger sprain) and Jaxson Hayes (left knee soreness) are questionable.
- Meanwhile for the Kings, Keegan Murray (thumb) and Nique Clifford (right hamstring strain) are out. Zach LaVine (illness) is questionable.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.
