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It's too soon to say or suggest that the LA Lakers have turned a corner. Their 113-100 Thursday win in the California showdown against the Sacramento Kings may have seen them field one of their finest efforts, but this side still has work to do, and trades to make. The good news is the Lakers getting some separation, improving to 15-12 and starting their two-game away clash against the division rivals on a solid note.
The win also restores parity to a fledgling campaign. However, the Lakers' task gets tougher as they play a bruising Detroit Pistons before their Christmas clash with the Golden State Warriors. The Purple and Gold's next five games are all more than just stern challenges, and a winning streak here would be an impressive way to cap off the year amid the trade buzz.
The Kings are now on a two-game skid and desperate in need to bounce back. Every defeat sees their surge back into the Top 10 tougher, while questions of the team's composition and balance continue to arise. Their scanty defense and misfiring offense have been key factors in their sputtering campaign. The question now will be whether they can outplay LA that's played better ball in their last couple of games.
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LA Lakers vs Sacramento Kings Preview, Predicted Starting Lineups, Betting Tips, Odds, and Prediction
The LA Lakers vs Sacramento Kings tips off at 6 pm ET. Local coverage will be on NBCS-CA and SportsNet LA. The game can be streamed live on Fubo TV (regional restrictions may apply) and on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.
Here's a look at the odds at the time of writing.
Note: Odds are subject to change close to tipoff
LA Lakers vs Sacramento Kings Preview
Defense wins games, and the Lakers did enough on that front to have JJ Redick calling it one of his "favorite win" they had all season. LA have shored up their efforts on that end of the floor, keeping their opponents down to less than 100 points per 100 possessions. The minor adjustments have worked in their favor with players emphasizing switching with better selection and using ample drop coverage within their pick-and-roll defense.
The communication and energy have been better and for the first time in their last few games, they have managed to finally figure out how Anthony Davis is the hub of their offense. Austin Reaves led LA with 25 points. Davis had an impressive statline with 21 points, 19 rebounds, six blocks, and three steals. LeBron James had 19 points, six boards, and seven assists as his point-forward role sees him facilitate with any of the rotations he's part of.
The improved run sees LA go 18th on scoring defense, allowing their opponents 112.3 points per 100 possessions. They are allowing 47.7% from the field (24th in the league), and 21st in 3-point defense conceding 36.8% from beyond the arc. They are 19th in scoring offense averaging 111.4 points per game, and 110 points per 100 possessions. They are 12th in the league in field goal offense (46.8%) and 21st in downtown shooting with 34.7%.
Sacramento had themselves to blame with their key players in foul trouble. DeMar DeRozan had a forgettable shooting night with 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Domantas Sabonis' double-double and De'Aaron Fox's 26 points weren't enough as their slow start left them saw them play catchup.
They led just one-quarter of the four. The offense-first Sacramento outfit is ninth in scoring offense averaging 116.1 points per game and 113 points per 100 possessions. Defense has been their Achilles Heel as they average 113.6 points per contest on scoring defense, and allow 110.4 points per 100 possessions.
LA Lakers vs Sacramento Kings Predicted Starting Lineups
The LA Lakers have familiar names on the IR heading into Saturday's matchup. Anthony Davis (left plantar fasciitis) is probable, as is Rui Hachimura (left tibial contusion). LeBron James (left foot ankle soreness) is questionable. Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood (surgery recovery) are out. Expect LA to field the same starters from their last game.
Keegan Murray (left ankle soreness) and Trey Lyles (right calf strain) are questionable. Devin Carter is ruled out with left shoulder surgery.
LA Lakers vs Sacramento Kings Betting Tips
LeBron James comes in with an o/u of -113/-110 on points. Anthony Davis is -120/-114 on points + rebounds. Austin Reaves is -118/-122 on points + assists. Domantas Sabonis is one to watch out for the Kings with an o/u of -102/-120 on points. De'Aaron Fox is -110/-122 on points + rebounds, and Keegan Murray is -118/-118 on points + assists.
LA Lakers vs Sacramento Kings Prediction
Payback will be on Sacramento's mind as they look to get the better of the LA Lakers while also snapping their two-game skid. Their slow start and pesky defense from LA cost them the contest, and the top-heavy side will look to get past the Lakers. Expect the Kings to get their mojo back with a win.
Sacramento Kings Nation! You can check out the latest Sacramento Kings Schedule and dive into the Kings Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.
