Here is what you need to know before the Lakers head to the state capital for a meeting with the Sacramento Kings.
1)
The Lakers are looking to get back onto the winning path after their three-game streak was snapped by Dallas on Tuesday. That contest saw Jordan Clarkson score 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting while Julius Randle picked up a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, but Los Angeles simply couldn’t get the stops needed defensively.
2)
Nick Young also had a big offensive night, finishing with 20 points after scoring the Lakers’ first 13 of the game. “Uncle P” has been flawless at the free throw line, having made his last 32 attempts dating back to March of last season.
3)
The Lakers are not sure if they will have the services of Larry Nance Jr., who missed Tuesday’s game due to a concussion. With Nance sidelined at practice, he missed out on the chance to go head-to-head against his coach, Luke Walton, who challenged L.A.’s bigs to a series of one-on-one matchups.
4)
The Lakers have struggled in a big way against their northern neighbors recently, as Sacramento has beaten them seven straight times. This streak included the Kings sweeping the Lakers last year for the first time in their franchise’s history.
5)
These clubs both toasted the same Hall of Fame inductee in September, as legendary Laker Shaquille O’Neal was inducted in Springfield, Mass. O’Neal had some memorable postseason battles with the team he now owns a minority stake of, as he led the Lakers to playoff victories over Sacramento during each year of the three-peat era.
6)
Last season, the Kings ran a high-speed offense that saw them average the NBA’s third-most points (106.6), but also give up a league-high 109.1 points. Thus far, Sacramento is just 23rd in scoring (98.6) but has been competitive with a 4-5 record.
7)
After capturing a gold medal at the Rio Olympics this summer, DeMarcus Cousins continues to provide the Kings one of the league’s best post presences, averaging 25.8 points thus far. Cousins was in the NBA’s top five in both scoring and rebounding last year, and his 26.9 points per night were the most by a big man since O’Neal put up 27.5 with the Lakers 13 years prior.
8)
Darren Collison recently debuted after starting the year by serving an eight-game suspension, while Ty Lawson filled in as Sacramento’s primary ball handle. Lawson was able to get teammates involved by handing out 6.1 assists, but he’s struggled to find his own shot, missing all of his last 15 attempts.
9)
The Kings invested a lot in the first round of the NBA Draft, acquiring Georgios Papagiannis (13th), Malachi Richardson (22nd) and Skal Labissiere (28th). However, the trio won’t be expected to provide much immediately, as they have played only 29 minutes combined.
10)
This game will be held at Sacramento’s new arena: Golden 1 Center. Located in Downtown Sacramento, it replaces Sleep Train Arena, which had served as the Kings’ home stadium under several names since 1988.
Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. PT
TV: TNT
Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 KWKW