Preview: Kings hope to get back on track against LeBron, Lakers

Dec 21, 2022, 9:19 AM | Updated: 3:52 pm

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 11: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings scores a three-point basket ...

(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Editor & Kings Beat Writer

LeBron James is coming to town.

The Sacramento Kings (16-13) will look to shake off Monday’s rough loss against the Charlotte Hornets when they face James and the Los Angeles Lakers (13-17) at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday night.

Although the Lakers will be without All-Star forward Anthony Davis (foot soreness), the Kings could be shorthanded as well, with both Domantas Sabonis (hand soreness) and Harrison Barnes (quad contusion) being listed as questionable on the latest injury report.

Sacramento will matchup against a Los Angeles team that has won three of its past five games after stumbling out of the gates to begin the season, as LeBron James has averaged 28.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists over his last ten appearances.

Even without Davis, the Kings will have its hands full with the NBA’s eventual all-time leading scorer in James when these former hated rivals take the floor in front of a sold-out crowd at Golden 1 Center.

Mike Brown opens his media availability with a message to Kings fans:

Vote De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis into the NBA All-Star game ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/QUwPxGTiHS

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) December 20, 2022

Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game Info

When: 7:00 PM PST

Where: Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, CA

TV: NBC Sports California

Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 AM – Pregame coverage starts at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night

Line: Kings -6.0, O/U: 239.5

Tickets: Click here

What To Watch For

The Men in the Middle

Sacramento will hope that two-time All-Star center Domantas Sabonis can suit up for Wednesday’s game, as the 26-year-old’s status is currently up in the air due to left hand soreness.

The Kings are already having enough trouble finding a solid backup center to play behind Sabonis, meaning that head coach Mike Brown will have an interesting decision to make if his starting big cannot go against the Lakers.

Following Monday’s loss to Charlotte, Brown told the media that two-way center Neemias Queta is currently in line to receive backup center minutes, but added that the role is up for grabs as he searches for stability after already giving Richaun Holmes and Chimezie Metu turns in the position.

The Lakers have been one of the better rebounding teams in the NBA this season (45.1 rebounds per game, sixth in the NBA), but the absence of Davis (9.0 rebounds per game) will give Sacramento a better chance of coming out on top in the battle for the boards, especially of Sabonis plays.

More information on Sabonis’ status should become available in the hours leading into tip-off, but fans may see a heavy dose of Richaun Holmes and Neemias Queta if the Lithuanian big is sidelined.

Keep Fox Going

De’Aaron Fox celebrated his 25th birthday on Tuesday, and the sixth-year guard is returning to his early-season form after going through a rough patch primarily due to foot soreness and a lingering illness.

During Monday’s loss to Charlotte, Fox scored 37 points on 14-of-25 shooting from the field, tying his largest offensive output of the season.

De'Aaron Fox turns 25 today 🎂

Fox over the past three games:

29.3 PTS | 5.3 REB | 7.0 AST | 47% FG | 38.2 MINpic.twitter.com/ZFVtB4OJr6

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) December 20, 2022

Seeing Fox, who has said that he feels the best that he has felt in over a month, work his way back into the All-Star form that we saw during the season’s opening weeks is an excellent sign for Sacramento as they hope to capitalize on a six-game home stand.

Over the past three games, Fox is averaging nearly 30 points per game on 47 percent shooting from the field while also handing out seven assists per game. Expect to see the speedy guard attack the Lakers’ backcourt on Wednesday night.

Recent History

Sacramento defeated the Lakers 120-114 back on November 11th when the two teams met at crypto.com Arena
The Kings are 5-3 vs Los Angeles since the start of the 2020-21 season

Injury Report

Sacramento

Domantas Sabonis – QUESTIONABLE (left hand soreness)
Harrison Barnes – QUESTIONABLE (right quad soreness)
Keon Ellis & Chima Moneke are on a G-League assignment with the Stockton Kings.

Both Sabonis and Barnes participated in Wednesday morning’s shoot-around, which is a good sign that one or both will be available against the Lakers.

Los Angeles