The Lakers will play in their first road game of the season in Sacramento on Sunday where they will take on the Kings. The purple and gold look to make it two wins a row after a strong blowout victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
Start time and TV schedule
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As JJ Redick alluded postgame, it was the perfect performance to build on, especially now that the Lakers head on the road. It’s proof that they’re capable of performing at a high level when they play with a certain type of physicality and energy. Now, it’s time to test whether or not the team can do this consistently, especially in a tougher environment.
Playing in Sacramento is never a walk in the park, no matter who suits up for them. Over the last six years, these games early in the season against the Kings always end up being nail-bitters and it wouldn’t be a surprise if that’s going to be case again on Sunday. The Kings are coming off two close games, which they split against the Phoenix and Utah, winning one point against the Jazz led by Zach LaVine’s 31 points and Malik Monk’s 20.
The Kings may have arguably one of the most questionable roster constructions in the league, but that doesn’t mean they can’t win games. They’re composed of microwave scorers who can get hot and go off any game. The Lakers’ defense will have to be prepared for this one.
The matchup between Deandre Ayton and Domantas Sabonis should be a fun one and a test for the former on how he will handle physical and offensive oriented big men. The Kings also might not have anyone to guard Dončić, who put up 92 points combined in the last two games and became the first player in Lakers history to record back-to-back 40-point games to start a season. If Dončić stays hot on offense and gets enough help from his teammates like last game, Los Angeles should be able to win this one.
It’s not going to be easy but this is a winnable game for the purple and gold. It’s one that they should think of putting to bed early as they’re on the first night of a back-to-back. It would be nice to see the team put together their first winning streak of the season and win their first road game. That’s the goal for the Lakers’ next game on Sunday.