USA Today via Reuters
Feb 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the closing second of the Lakers 96-94 loss to the Miami Heat at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the closing second of the Lakers 96-94 loss to the Miami Heat at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Sacramento Kings tonight in their final game before the All-Star break. They will hope to bounce back from last night’s defeat to the Suns, which saw them slip to third in the Western Conference. The Kings are playing the first game of a back-to-back and are desperate for a win.
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Date & Time: March 3, 2021, 10:00pm ET
Venue: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California
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Preview | Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers had just found momentum with two wins in a row, but failed to beat the Suns last night. LeBron James scored 38 points, but a lack of support from the rest cost them the game.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 28, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and forward Anthony Davis (3) react to a play while on the bench in the second half of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
After playing every single game so far, LeBron is finally going to sit out for the Kings game. He deserves the rest after carrying the team in Anthony Davis‘ absence. Alex Caruso, Kyle Kuzma, and Marc Gasol are listed as questionable. The Lakers will be desperate for them to return since they need all the help they can get in LeBron’s absence.
Starting 5 for the Lakers
Guard – Dennis Schroder
Guard – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Forward – Kyle Kuzma
Forward – Markieff Morris
Center – Marc Gasol
Preview | Sacramento Kings
The Kings are undergoing an abysmal run currently. Sloppy play in their last game against the Hornets gave their 10th loss in 11 games. After being 12-11 in early February with a chance of making the playoffs, they are now 13-21 and the playoffs look a faraway dream now.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 18, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III (35) and guard Cory Joseph (9) and guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) and guard De’Aaron Fox (5) walk onto the court during the third quarter against the Miami Heat at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
To add to their problems, rookie Tyrese Haliburton (calf) is out until the All-Star break. There are a few more absentees with Chimezie Metu (wrist), Hassan Whiteside (health and safety protocols), Robert Woodard II (hamstring) all out as well. Buddy Hield is also questionable but is likely to return.
Starting 5 for the Kings
Guard – De’Aaron Fox
Guard – Buddy Hield
Forward – Harrison Barnes
Forward – Marvin Bagley III
Center – Richaun Holmes
Predictions | Lakers vs Kings
Since the start of last season, the Lakers have played just one game without LeBron and AD. They cruised to a win over the Thunder with Kuzma starring. They needed a big team effort in that game, and they need something similar tonight. Their supporting cast has been inconsistent so far, and if they show up, they can beat their struggling opponents.
The Kings will be relying on a masterclass from Fox, but their chances look bleak. A close encounter is likely on the cards, but the Lakers should be able to get the win.
ALSO READ – ‘Kind of Irks Me’: LeBron James Still Angry About Not Making All-Star Game in Rookie Season
