Despite 19 points in the fourth quarter from Lou Williams and battling back from a 13 point deficit to tie the game at 96, a free throw from DeMarcus Cousins gave the Sacramento Kings the edge down the stretch beating L.A. 97-96. Cousins finished with a triple-double: 40 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
Williams led the way offensively for the Lakers with 29 points, five assists and two steals, while Julius Randle finished with 11 points and seven rebounds. D’Angelo Russell once again sat in the fourth quarter (as did Randle), finishing with eight points, two rebounds, five turnovers, two steals, and an assist. After the game, head coach Luke Walton discussed his reasoning for sitting both Randle and Russell down the stretch.
Walton said he was actually surprised the Lakers only trailed by two points at the end of the first half, and that although they moved the ball, it seemed like the ball was moving without a purpose.
Williams, whose name has been in the trade rumors over the past couple weeks, is asked about whether it affects his game. The current Sixth Man of the Year candidate also says he feels like the team is starting to play with a better purpose and the young core is starting to grow up in certain areas.
Jordan Clarkson
Lou Williams
Luke Walton
