Here is what you need to know before the Lakers’ division showdown with the
Sacramento Kings.
1) Lakers busted out their track spikes In Sunday’s win over Atlanta, the
Lakers ran laps around their visitors by dropping 132 points — 42 of which came
on fast breaks.
It was the Lakers’ most successful night on breaks since the NBA began tracking
the statistic 21 years ago.
As expected, Lonzo Ball was at the center of this facet of the game. L.A.’s
pace-pushing point guard had a few of his patented outlet passes and also hit a
couple spot-up 3-pointers.
While Ball facilitated many of the Lakers’ transition opportunities, it was the
team’s defense that allowed them to get out and run in the first place.
Their ability to force contested shots led to a bevy of defensive rebounds, and
the Lakers used that to take advantage of an unset defense — something that
will be necessary against a Sacramento team that will try to grind down the pace
as much as possible.
Also keep an eye on Josh Hart, who did everything for the Lakers on fast breaks
against the Hawks, including defend, rebound, pass and score.
Lakers scored the most fast-break points in franchise history last night. Josh
Hart was at the core of this, starting and finishing breaks with his defense,
rebounding, passing and floor-running. pic.twitter.com/rGKpmOO7bA
2) B.I. is making plays Brandon Ingram is coming off one of the most
efficient nights of his young career, as he scored 20 points on 6-of-7 shooting
against Atlanta.
The 20-year-old also mixed in seven assists, finding a nice blend of offense
both in transition and the half court.
Like Ball, he hit a pair of spot-up triples and also found success in
pick-and-rolls, particularly when it came to locating open shooters waiting to
fire.
But B.I.’s best pass of the night was one that he didn’t even make. Toward the
end of the first quarter, he turned Marco Bellineli into a statue with a ball
fake before turning baseline for a fadeaway jumper that he has hit consistently
this season.
Brandon Ingram making things happen with 8 pts & 4 ast in 12 minutes. Freezes
Belinelli with the fake pass and splashes the baseline fadeaway.
pic.twitter.com/hbNTk8E9D4
3) Revenge is on the table The Lakers would be wise not to assume that this
game will be a jog to victory.
Sure, Sacramento is last in the NBA in both offensive and defensive efficiency,
but the Kings also unexpectedly beat L.A. back in November.
Willie Cauley-Stein scored a season-high 26 points in that game, exploiting a
Lakers pick-and-roll defense that has been vulnerable at certain points this
season.
Beyond the arc, L.A. will also have to keep tabs on George Hill (status TBD),
who leads the NBA in 3-point percentage (46.9) and Buddy Hield, who ranks ninth
(44.5).
But if they play at their preferred, high-octane pace and lock in defensively,
the Lakers should have a good formula for a second straight win.
Injury Report Lakers: None. Kings: George Hill (personal) is TBD. Frank Mason
III (right heel contusion) and Harry Giles (bi-lateral knee rehabilitation) are
out.
Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. PT TV: Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum Deportes in L.A. NBA
TV nationally Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 KWKW Unis: Gold Location: STAPLES Center
— Los Angeles, California
Click here to view game notes for this contest.
#LakersWin
A post shared by Los Angeles Lakers (@lakers) on Jan 7, 2018 at 9:39pm PST
Player: Lonzo Ball
Player: Josh Hart
Player: Brandon Ingram
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