The Lakers took care of a back-to-back at home. Their next challenge is carrying that momentum into Sacramento against a team that just ended a six-game losing streak.
The Lakers (6-2) visit the Kings (1-6) on Wednesday at Golden 1 Center.
The Kings got their first win Monday, beating the Dallas Mavericks 115-100 behind 25 points from rookie Darius Acuff Jr.
Los Angeles enters on a two-game winning streak after beating the Heat, 138-117, on Monday.
For Game 9 of 82, here are three things to watch.
Keep the offense moving around Dončić
Luka Dončić’s MVP-level scoring has powered the Lakers’ start, but their latest win also showed the value of sharing the playmaking responsibilities.
L.A. recorded 39 assists against Miami, with five players finishing with at least four. Dončić had 42 points and 13 assists after scoring 45 against Toronto the previous night.
Sacramento presents an opportunity to build on that offensive execution. According to NBA Advanced Stats, the Kings have the league’s third-worst defensive rating, allowing 120.0 points per 100 possessions. Opponents are shooting an NBA-high 50.5% against them, and Sacramento allows 124.3 points per game.
The Lakers should have opportunities to attack, but the quality of their possessions will matter.
Contain Sacramento’s scoring backcourt
The Kings’ record does not erase the threats in their backcourt.
Acuff leads Sacramento and all rookies at 26.1 points per game with 6.3 assists, while Zach LaVine contributes 23.4 points per game.
For the Lakers, defending that combination starts with limiting clean driving lanes and staying connected through screens. Allowing either guard to get downhill repeatedly would force help and create opportunities elsewhere.
Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams, who was on a minutes restriction in his return on Monday, give L.A. options to apply pressure and contest shots. Their ability to stay in front of the ball could help Kessler protect the basket without constantly leaving his assignment.
Finish defensive possessions against Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis poses a significant challenge for a Lakers team still working to improve its rebounding.
Sabonis leads the NBA with 14.6 rebounds per game while averaging 15 points and 6.9 assists. The Lakers collect 40.1 rebounds per game, tied for 27th in the league, despite Kessler averaging 10.5.
Containing Sabonis will require more than Kessler winning his individual matchup. When the Lakers’ center contests a shot, the other defenders must find Sabonis and prevent him from getting another opportunity around the basket.
Those responsibilities also extend to the perimeter. Guards and wings need to pursue longer rebounds rather than leave before possession is secured.
For L.A., finishing stops would limit Sacramento’s second chances and create opportunities to attack before the Kings can organize their defense.