Key Highlights
- PST📍 Location: Crypto. com Arena — Los Angeles, Calif📺 TV: Spectrum SportsNet📻 Radio: ESPN LA 710 / 1330 KWKWAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGame PreviewThe Los Angeles Lakers play their second game of a five-game homestand on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, following a lackluster 23-point loss on Christmas Day to the Houston Rockets. The disappointing performance was a wake-up call for the Lakers, who have lost three straight games and four of their last six, prompting coach JJ Redick to call out the team's effort and execution.“Truth is uncomfortable,” Redick said after Saturday's practice.
- “So you have to put everything out there.
- That’s all it is.”Defensive clarity, role clarity and offensive organization were the three things Redick emphasized in cleaning up their bad habits. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTo add salt to injury, Austin Reaves suffered a Grade 2 left calf strain in the Christmas Day loss and will miss game action for at least the next four weeks, leaving the Lakers down a backcourt starter. This will be the second time the Lakers see the Kings, beating them 127-120 in Sacramento in the third game of the season. After a five-game skid, the Kings have won two of their last three games, coming off a six-point win over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Sacramento is 3-13 on the road (three straight road losses), while L. A.
- is 7-5 (lost three straight at home) at Crypto. com Arena this season. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Opponent and their Top DogsWhen you look at a squad like the Kings with talents like DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis and even solid pieces in Keegan Murray, Malik Monk and Russell Westbrook.
- It makes you wonder why this team is among the bottom of the bottom. Well, injuries have played a major role in this team's deep drop in the standings, with their top seven players missing 54 games combined. LaVine, who leads the team with 20.2 points a game, has missed the last five games.
