The story of the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason so far has been the team’s willingness to fire up shots from long range. The Lakers have taken 93 3-pointers across two preseason games and are knocking them down at a much-higher rate than a season ago. Head coach Darvin Ham is even encouraging Anthony Davis to be more aggressive from the perimeter.
The Lakers look to continue that hot shooting in their third preseason game as they take on the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night at the Honda Center in Anaheim. LeBron James is sitting out for the second time this preseason while Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish are also out, giving some other guys a chance at extended minutes.
With key guys out out, the focus should continue to be on D’Angelo Russell, who has been impressive so far this preseason. Russell has perhaps been the most surprising as he is shooting 61.1% from the field and 75% from deep while dishing out 11 assists to just one turnover.
Ironing out those final rotation spots will be crucial for Darvin Ham as well and some players have already been standing out. Jaxson Hayes looked very impressive against the Brooklyn Nets, as did Taurean Prince, though he has continued to struggle with fouls. Both Max Christie and Christian Wood have been up and down this preseason, having strong moments but also their struggles as well so consistency from both will be something to watch for.
The Kings are looking to pick up their first win of the preseason and build off an outstanding 2022-23 season in which they shocked everyone by winning the Pacific Division and locking down a 3-seed in the Western Conference.
De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis remain one of the best duos in the NBA with solid role players like Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray surrounding them, although Murray is out of this game. One Sacramento player to keep an eye on is Sasha Vezenkov, a three-time Greek League MVP whom the team signed to a $20 million contract this offseason.
Los Angeles Lakers (1-1) vs. Sacramento Kings (0-1)
7 p.m. PT, October 11, 2023
Honda Center, Anaheim, CA
TV: Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV
Radio: 710 AM ESPN LA
Projected Lakers Starting Lineup:
PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Max Christie
SF: Taurean Prince
PF: Rui Hachimura
C: Christian Wood
Key Reserves: Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis, Colin Castleton
Projected Kings Starting Lineup:
PG: De’Aaron Fox
SG: Kevin Huerter
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: Trey Lyles
C: Domantas Sabonis
Key Reserves: Davion Mitchell, Trey Lyles, Sasha Vezenkov, Chris Duarte, JaVale McGee
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