Lakers improve to 2-1 in preseason with an impressive win
With a mix of remarkable shooting and passing, the Lakers beat the Kings
By Nikolas Araiza
D'Angelo Russell drives to the basket
Photograph by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers on Oct. 11 went up against the Sacramento Kings in a preseason game at the Honda Center. With Lebron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves all sitting out Wednesday’s game, it gave a chance for role players to contribute
D'Angelo Russell would contribute immensely, leading the team with an impressive mix of passing and scoring for himself in the first couple of minutes of the game. Russell would end the game with 21 points and 8 assists.
Offseason signee, Gabe Vincent, would also have an impressive outing, including scoring the team's first five points of the game. Both of which came from assists from Russell. It was not just Vincent and Russell producing the whole game, other notable contributions include Rui Hachimura, Taurean Prince and Christian Wood.
Rookies Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis were able to emphatically show what they are potentially capable of as the pair would connect for a transition three-point shot. Schifino showed why the Lakers took him with pick number 17 in the first round in this year’s draft
Head Coach Darvin Ham talks with Jaden Hood-Schifino
Photograph by Ronald Martinez via Getty Images
But it was not just the offense that carried the team tonight. The defense played a major factor as to why the Lakers won this game. Colin Castleton, another rookie, played well with two blocks in the game. The team’s defense was able to hold the Kings’ offense to just 39.4% shooting from the field
At the end of the fourth, it was clear that the Lakers,with their impressive playmaking abilities and defensive prowess, were too much for the Kings to handle on Wednesday as they would win 101-109. The Lakers will next play on Friday, Oct. 13 against the Golden State Warriors.
Max Christie dunks the ball
Photograph provided by Abigail Field