The Lakers are set to make a comeback as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Sunday night. The game will begin at 6:00 pm PT and will be aired on Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum SportsNet+. Tune in at 5:00 p.m. for complete game coverage.
Here are three key things to know before the matchup:
A LITERAL BIG 3
Due to the Lakers’ cautious approach to player injuries during the preseason, they were unable to build continuity and chemistry within the team. As a result, the start of the regular season becomes crucial for establishing cohesion. This may lead to some challenges along the way, as not every lineup combination will be successful. However, one particular lineup has shown early promise – LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Christian Wood. In the two games that they have played together, the Lakers have excelled with a remarkable +32 points.
Although more data is needed to draw definitive conclusions, it is encouraging to see such success early on. Coach Ham is actively seeking lineup solutions for various game situations and this trio has delivered positive results.
*insert this video here* https://www.nba.com/lakers/videos/christian-woods-defense-vs-phx-10-26-23
OUTSIDE SHOOTING
Unfortunately, the Lakers’ outside shooting has not been as impressive in the early part of the season. After a preseason where they had a decent volume and accuracy from three-point range, they have struggled to maintain that success. In their first two regular season games, the Lakers have attempted the second fewest three-pointers in the NBA and have had the lowest accuracy, hitting only 25.9% of their attempts.
While it is too early to make conclusions, the Lakers need to increase the number of quality three-point shots they take and improve their shooting percentage. Currently, a majority of their shots have been open or wide open, as classified by the NBA, but they have only converted at around 30% on these attempts.
KINGS SPEED
The Sacramento Kings pose various challenges for opposing defenses, and the Lakers will be no exception. With players like De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the Kings have a dynamic inside-outside attack that keeps defenses on their toes. Sabonis’ ability to initiate the offense opens up opportunities for the Kings’ perimeter threats to drive to the rim or take open three-point shots when the defense collapses.
One particular area of focus for the Lakers defense will be the pace and speed of the Kings. Sacramento currently has the fourth fastest pace in the league, and players like Fox and Malik Monk consistently push the ball. The Kings’ versatile lineup and ability to quickly transition from defense to offense can create scoring opportunities if the Lakers don’t make smart decisions on the court.
The Lakers will need to be aware of the Kings’ speed and ball handling in transition and make the right choices after their own shots. The difference between crashing the offensive glass or running back on defense can determine whether the Kings gain an advantage or not. It will be a test for the Lakers to maintain their defensive balance against a quick and agile Kings team.
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