Preview: Kings open six-game road trip against Lakers
Nov 15, 2023, 9:43 AM | Updated: 1:08 pm
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
On the heels of a three-game winning streak, the Sacramento Kings are hitting the road for a lengthy road trip.
The Kings (5-4) will open a two-week, six-game trip in southern California on Wednesday night when they face the Los Angeles Lakers (6-5) in a matchup between two old rivals that are currently playing a solid brand of basketball.
Like Sacramento, Los Angeles has also won its past three contests as they look to improve to 6-0 on their home floor at crypto.com Arena.
While last year’s Kings held the best road record in the Western Conference, that success hasn’t carried over into the early stages of this season. Sacramento holds a 1-3 record away from Golden 1 Center, with the lone win coming on opening night in Salt Lake City.
For the second time in just over two weeks, the Kings and Lakers will face off. Here’s everything that you need to know for tonight’s action in Los Angeles.
Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game Info
When: 7:00 PM PST
Where: Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles, CA
TV: NBC Sports California, ESPN
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 AM – Coverage starts at 5:30 PM on Game Night
Line: Lakers -1.5, O/U 232.5
Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Lakers coverage, beginning at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Los Angeles.
De’Aaron Fox: Laker Killer
As is the case for many teams that he faces, De’Aaron Fox has been a thorn in the Los Angeles Lakers’ side since the start of last season.
Over Fox’s past five games against the Lakers, he holds a 4-1 record while averaging 31.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game while shooting 58 percent from the field.
Fox exploded for 37 points (14/24 FG) and eight assists during Sacramento’s lone meeting with Los Angeles this season on October 29th before having to exit the game in overtime due to a sprained ankle.
Following an impressive return on Monday night, Fox will be active for Wednesday’s game at crypto.com Arena as he looks to build on his recent success against the Lakers defense.
Matchup To Watch: Sabonis vs. ‘The Brow’
One of the weirder stats about tonight’s matchup is the fact that Domantas Sabonis has never lost to Anthony Davis.
That’s right. During Sabonis’ seven-year career, the All-Star center holds a 7-0 record against Davis, including 2-0 since being acquired by Sacramento at the end of the 2021-22 season.
Sabonis, who has enjoyed an impressive start over nine games, has also been a problem for Lakers defenders. Over his past four meetings with Los Angeles, the center holds averages of 17.8 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game while shooting 58 perecent from the field and 40 percent from three-point land (two-for-five).
The same can be said about Davis, who had a monster performance during October 29th’s meeting between the Kings and Lakers at Golden 1 Center: 30 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks, two steals, 11-of-22 shooting from the field.
Keep an eye on how Sabonis handle’s Davis in the post and if the All-NBA big can stay out of foul trouble, which could hurt Sacramento on Wednesday with both Alex Len (ankle sprain) and Trey Lyles (calf strain) out of action.
Notes
- Los Angeles is in the middle of the pack both offensively and defensively thus far: 15th in points per game (113.1) and 15th in defensive rating (113.0).
- Don’t expect the Lakers to rely on the three-point shot on Wednesday. They’re currently ranked 28th in made three-point field goals and 23rd in three-point field goal percentage (34%).
- With LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the fold, Los Angeles will attack the paint. Entering play on Wednesday, the Lakers are sixth in points in the paint per game (53.5) and two-point field goal percentage (56%).
- Sacramento has won six of its past nine games against the Lakers dating back to the start of the 2021-22 season
Kings vs. Lakers Injury Report
Sacramento
- Trey Lyles – OUT (left calf strain)
- Alex Len – OUT (right ankle sprain)
- Colby Jones, Jordan Ford, and Jalen Slawson are on G-League assignment
Los Angeles
- LeBron James – QUESTIONABLE (left calf contusion)
- Anthony Davis – PROBABLE (left adductor/hip spasm)
- Gabe Vincent – OUT (left knee effusion)
- Jarred Vanderbilt – OUT (left heel bursitis)
- Jalen Hood-Schifino – OUT (right patella contusion)
Upcoming Schedule
- Wednesday, November 15th – Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Lakers – 7:00 PM PST
- Friday, November 17th – Sacramento Kings @ San Antonio Spurs – 4:30 PM PST
- Sunday, November 19th – Sacramento Kings @ Dallas Mavericks – 4:30 PM PST
- Monday, November 20th – Sacramento Kings @ New Orleans Pelicans – 5:00 PM PST
- Wednesday, November 22nd – Sacramento Kings @ New Orleans Pelicans – 5:00 PM PST
** NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play
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