Lakers Lose Their Final Preseason Game in a Close One Against the Kings
After a grueling back-and-forth, the Lakers fell in their final preseason game against the Sacramento Kings. The game for the Kings comes after the recent signing of the 2017 MVP, Russell Westbrook. The Kings stole the win despite not having Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, and Malik Monk in the lineup. While the Lakers played most of their active players in a game head coach JJ Redick called “dress rehearsal,” it was his way of assessing the roster. Luka Doncic showed up big time, scoring 31 points and almost having a triple-double in the 117-116 loss. In nearly 30 minutes, Deandre Ayton scored 12 points to go along with nine boards, and former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart had an excellent game, scoring 14 points. He will quickly grow on fans as the season progresses. He does all the hard work on the floor as well when he is out there.
Both teams started the game shooting over 50% from the field, but it was Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis who were punishing the Lakers. Schroder, for example, scored 25 points in 28 minutes of play. The Kings took the lead with under two minutes to play, and their versatile roster came in clutch and put the game away. Lakers sharpshooter Dalton Knecht tied the game in the last minute but was not able to do it again when time expired. Knecht, as each game goes by, is showing more and more confidence on the court, which will be a big boost if it continues into the season.
In the end, the Lakers will have trouble beginning the season as the roster, while impressive, still lacks experience. In clutch moments, the Kings are handling the late-game pressure situations well with their veterans. Also, the Ayton and Doncic connection will take at least a few more games to improve. They don't have a horrible connection finding each other on the court, but it isn't nearly as good as the Luka and Jaxson Hayes connection. Laker fans will have a few injuries to start the season, in addition to LeBron James' injury. It seems the Lakers will be without Bronny James, ankle, and rookie Adou Thiero, knee, to start the season. One can hope that the Lakers' chemistry develops quickly as they begin the season, for when the King returns.
