true ios true ios true android false computer $upper($url_encode($(QUERY_STRING{'bypassCountry'}))) NONE $url_encode($(GEO{'country_code'})) $url_encode($(GEO{'country_code'})) $(bpc) true true false Preview: Kings (11-15) vs. Lakers (8-18) | NBA.com
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Preview: Kings (11-15) vs. Lakers (8-18)

The presence of DeMarcus Cousins cannot be understated.

Returning to the team for the first time after a 10-game absence, Boogie tallied a game-high 27 points and 11 rebounds against Milwaukee. He played an admirable 33 minutes despite feeling some fatigue, and nearly connected on a game-winning jumper.

Sacramento now looks to bounce back and end its five-game losing streak with a little redemption against the Lakers − a team that snuck away with a 98-95 victory in L.A. after a frantic fourth-quarter comeback in early December. That loss was the first of five straight for the Kings, who are looking to get back in the win column at home against their Pacific-Division rival.

Projected Starters

Broadcasts: TV – CSNCA
Comcast - 34 / 721
Dish - 448 / 9518
Dish Hopper – 412-36
DirecTV - 698-1
AT&T - 768 / 1768
Radio – KHTK Sports 1140 AM

2013-14 Head-to-Head

Good News for DMC, Omri & Reggie

After missing significant time due to viral meningitis, then playing 30-plus minutes in his return to action, Friday’s off-day provided a chance for DMC to recover. Head Coach Tyrone Corbin said Cousins is feeling fine and his playing time did not cause any unforeseen setbacks.

Given No. 15’s tenacious and passionate approach to the game, limiting his minutes is a difficult task.

“He’s never going to accept limited minutes,” joked Corbin after Saturday’s practice. “We’ll just see how he develops and make sure we’re doing what’s best for him. If he responds well, then we’ll play him as we need.”

Omri Casspi (knee contusion) and Reggie Evans (hip contusion) also saw significant time on the practice court Saturday.

“They looked good today,” said the Kings coach. “We’ll see how they respond (Sunday) morning – Reggie with his hip and Omri with his knee – but they looked good and went through everything in practice today.”

As the pair of veterans heal, the Kings coaching staff will look to implement them slowly.

Lakers Drop Second Straight to Thunder

Just two seconds remained on the clock when Kobe Bryant launched a potential game-winning 17-foot jumper, but the ball fell short and so did L.A.

The Lakers guard struggled against the Thunder on Friday, not recording a single point until the second quarter and posting just one basket before halftime. No. 24 finished the game just 3-for-15 as L.A. dropped their matchup to visiting OKC, 104-103.p>

When the Kings and Lakers meet inside Sleep Train Arena, exactly one week will have passed since Bryant surpassed Michael Jordan for third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list – behind Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone, respectively.

Despite the superstar’s accomplishments, L.A. has struggled this season – although it wasn’t the case when the Kings made their last trip to So-Cal.

Sacramento led by as many as 12 in the first half on Dec. 9, but L.A. stormed back as Bryant poured in 21 points in the second half to give his team the advantage. In that game, Darren Collison paced the Kings with a season-high 26 points.

“We need a win,” said Corbin. “We’ve lost five in a row, so we need to do whatever we can to get a win. These guys feel it − they want one so they can get over the hump and get back to winning ball games.”

Rudy vs. Kobe

Despite their struggles, the Lakers rank 14th in the League in scoring, averaging 102.2 points per contest, while six of their eight wins this season have come when they've scored at least 100 points.

“With the experience they have on their team − Kobe has been known for being a closer, Nick Young is a guy who can make big shots and (Carlos) Boozer is a guy who I think can close games,” admitted Corbin, “you hope to not put yourself in those situations.”

Over the course of his career, Bryant has excelled in Sacramento. He returns for his first game in the River City since March 30, 2013. According to NBA.com, Bryant’s 32.7-point average in his last 15 contests inside Sleep Train Arena is his second-highest at any Western Conference venue over the last 10 seasons.

On the flip side, Rudy Gay has averaged 28.7 points per game against the purple and gold in three meetings since joining the Kings, while Cousins did not suit up against the Lakers when the clubs met earlier this month.

“We really need to concentrate on ourselves right now,” said Corbin. “We have some things we need to clean up on the offensive end so we can get some fluency and get out and run in transition.”

Injury Update

Lakers:

  • Xavier Henry (ruptured left Achilles tendon) is out.
  • Ryan Kelly (torn right hamstring) is out.
  • Steve Nash (sciatic pain) is out.
  • Julius Randle (tibia fracture, right leg) is out.

Kings:

  • Omri Casspi (left knee bone contusion) is probable.
  • Reggie Evans (left knee and hip contusion) is probable.
  • DeMarcus Cousins (viral meningitis) is probable.
  • Ramon Sessions (low back strain) is questionable.