Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The story of the Los Angeles Lakers preseason so far has been the team’s willingness to take long-distance shots. The Lakers made 93 three-pointers in two preseason games, a much higher shooting percentage than last season. Head coach Davon Hamm even encouraged Anthony Davis to be more aggressive on the perimeter.
The Lakers hope to continue their hot shooting when they take on the Sacramento Kings in their third preseason game Wednesday night at the Honda Center in Anaheim. LeBron James is out for the second time in the preseason, while Anthony Davis, Austin Reeves, Jared Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish are also out, giving a few others Opportunities for players to get extended playing time.
With key players sidelined, the focus should continue to be on D’Angelo Russell, who has impressed so far in the preseason. Russell was perhaps the most surprising, as he shot 61.1% from the field and 75% from three while dishing out 11 assists and only one turnover.
Determining the final rotation spot will also be crucial for Davon Ham, with a few players already standing out. Jaxson Hayes looked very impressive against the Brooklyn Nets, as did Taurean Prince, although he still struggled with foul trouble. Max Christie and Christian Wood have both had their ups and downs in pre-season, with moments of brilliance and moments of struggle, so the consistency of both is worth keeping an eye on.
The Kings, looking to get their first win of the preseason and put together a strong 2022-23 campaign, shocked everyone by winning the Pacific Division and locking up the third 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, despite Murray’s absence this game. One player to watch in Sacramento is Sasha Vezenkov, a three-time Greek League MVP who the team signed to a $20 million contract this offseason.
Los Angeles Lakers (1-1) vs. Los Angeles Lakers Sacramento Kings (0-1)
October 11, 2023 at 7pm Pacific Time
Honda Center, Anaheim, California
TV: Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV
Broadcast: 710 AM ESPN LA
Projected Lakers starting lineup:
Point Guard: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Max Christie
SF: Taurus Prince
Power Forward: Rui Hachimura
C: Christian Wood
Main substitutes: Gabe Vincent, Jaxon Hayes, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis, Colin Castleton
Projected Kings starting lineup:
Point Guard: De’Aaron Fox
GS: Kevin Huerter
Small Forward: Harrison Barnes
Power Forward: Trey Lyles
C: Domantas Sabonis
Main substitutes: Davion Mitchell, Trey Lyles, Sasha Vetzenkov, Chris Duarte, JaVale McGee
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