E Da Old Tymer

The Los Angeles Lakers (23-13) will look to end their 2-game losing streak tonight as they hit the road to visit the Sacramento Kings (9-30).  The purple and gold have struggled lately, which really shouldn’t be a surprise as starting shooting guard, Austin Reaves, and power forward, Rui Hachimura, have been sidelined due to injuries.  Superstar guard Luka Doncic will once again be the focal point for the Lakers offensive punch as he is averaging just over 33 points per contest.  Veteran forward LeBron James has helped with the offensive load, but the aging James struggled at the end of their loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, committing two crucial turnovers in the final seconds of the game. 

The issues don’t stop there, as no Laker other than Jake LaRavia is consistently scoring in double-digits.  These challenges will probably continue as long as key players remain injured.  Chemistry is very important to a team’s success and the with the Lakers using 16 different starting line-ups in less almost 40 games is not a recipe for success.  Fortunately, Rui Hachimura will make his return tonight, giving the Lakers much-needed help.

The Sacramento Kings will look to be a pain in their former Pacific division rival and get back to winning since the Kings have won only 2 of their last 9 games, including a 7-game losing streak.  Like the Lakers, the Kings have also been bit by the injury bug, with injuries to starting forwards Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray.  Still, the Kings have veteran guards DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook to keep the ship right and give the Lakers all they can handle.  Considering how the Lakers have been playing down to their competition, it could be a long and disappointing night.

Tip off is tonight at 7:00 p.m at Golden One Arena in Sacramento.

Lakers Projected Starting Line-up:

• Luka Doncic (G)
• Jake LaRavia (G)
• Marcus Smart (G/F)
• LeBron James (F)
• DeAndre Ayton (C)

Kings Projected Starting Line-Up:

• Russell Westbrook (G)
• Zach LaVine (G)
• DeMar DeRozan (G/F)
• Precious Achiuwa (F)
• Maxime Raynaud (C)

Lakers Projected Injury Report:

• Austin Reaves (Out – Left calf strain)
• Adou Thiero (Out – Right MCL sprain)

Kings Projected Injury Report:

• Keegan Murray (Out – Knee)
• Domantas Sabonis (Out – Knee)