3 Pivotal Matchups To Watch for as Kings Visit the Lakers
The Sacramento Kings are coming off three consecutive wins as they head to Hollywood on Wednesday to take on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are also coming off a three-game win streak, but one team will find their way back in the loss column in this divisional matchup.
The Kings and Lakers both sit atop the Pacific Division standings, as the winner of Wednesday's matchup will gain sole possession of first place. This is a high-stakes, star-studded matchup in L.A. as the Lakers look to get revenge for the Kings' 132-127 overtime victory from opening week.
Both teams are filled with talent, but these three matchups will likely decide who comes out on top:
Oct 29, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) holds onto the ball next to Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) in the third quarter at the Golden 1 Center.
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Domantas Sabonis vs. Anthony Davis
The battle of the All-NBA big men will be electric, as Kings C Domantas Sabonis and Lakers C Anthony Davis both impact the game at a high level.
Sabonis is averaging 18.0 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game this season and has been dominant during the Kings' three-game win streak. In their last three games, Sabonis is averaging 22.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 10.7 assists. Sabonis must continue dominating all facets of the game with this tough matchup.
Davis has been stellar this season, averaging 23.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game. When the Lakers visited Sacramento in their third game of the season, Davis dominated with 30 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals.
Both big men are fierce competitors and will do all they can to give their teams the edge in Wednesday's matchup. Whichever All-Star center outperforms in this matchup will likely go home with a win.
Jan 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) rebounds the ball against Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
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Keegan Murray vs. LeBron James
The sophomore against the King does not sound like a pivotal matchup, but it will be electric with these two going at it. Kings F Keegan Murray is leaping into stardom as he continues to grow and improve his game, but Wednesday's matchup against F LeBron James is a huge test.
James had a near triple-double the last time they faced the Kings with 27 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists. The 38-year-old is quietly slowing down this season, averaging 24.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, but is still a threat anytime he is on the court.
Murray has made significant strides on both sides of the ball from his rookie year, but his improved defense has been a point of emphasis. The 23-year-old is averaging 15.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, but taking the assignment of guarding the future Hall of Famer could be a highlight of his season.
Oct 29, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) dribbles past Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) in the second quarter at the Golden 1 Center.
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De'Aaron Fox vs. D'Angelo Russell
The two one-time All-Stars will face off in a point guard battle on Wednesday, although they are two very different players. Kings G De'Aaron Fox is simply elite, with game-breaking speed and playmaking ability, making him nearly impossible to stop. Lakers G D'Angelo Russell might not have the explosiveness of Fox but can be an impressive distributor with occasional scoring outbursts.
Fox returned to action on Monday night after missing five games due to an ankle sprain but has been an MVP-caliber player when active. The 2023 All-NBA Third Team member is averaging 30.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists through four games, gearing up for another All-NBA campaign.
Fox suffered his ankle sprain over two weeks ago when the Lakers visited Sacramento, as he dropped 37 points and eight assists before he had to sit out down the stretch. The Lakers know what Fox is capable of and will try anything to slow him down for Wednesday's rematch.
Kings visit the Lakers on Wednesday at 7 P.M. PT/10 P.M. ET to decide first place in the Pacific Division.
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