Get ready for a preseason showdown that’s packed with drama and intrigue! The Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers game is here, and it’s not just about basketball—it’s about debuts, injuries, and the future of two franchises. But here’s where it gets controversial: Will Russell Westbrook’s highly anticipated debut with the Kings actually happen, or will injuries and lineup shuffles steal the spotlight? Let’s dive in.
Future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook is poised to make his unofficial debut with the Sacramento Kings when they face the Lakers in their preseason finale this Friday at Crypto.com Arena. Westbrook, who signed a reported one-year, $3.6 million deal with Sacramento on Thursday, adds a layer of excitement to a game already brimming with storylines. However, the Kings haven’t confirmed whether Westbrook will take the court, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. And this is the part most people miss: Westbrook’s arrival could be a game-changer for the Kings, but how will he fit into a team still searching for its first preseason win?
The Kings (0-3) are desperate for a victory after losses to the Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Clippers. Unfortunately, they’ll be shorthanded against the Lakers, with key players like Domantas Sabonis (hamstring), Keegan Murray (thumb), and Malik Monk (illness) sidelined. DeMar DeRozan (groin) is listed as probable, but his status remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the Lakers (1-4) are dealing with their own challenges, as NBA legend LeBron James sits out with sciatica, expected to return only in mid-November. Is this the beginning of a rocky season for both teams, or can they turn things around?
Here are three key things to watch in Friday’s game:
The Starting Lineup Shuffle: Kings coach Doug Christie has his hands full. After starting Dario Saric at power forward in place of the injured Murray, Christie now needs to fill Sabonis’s shoes due to a mild hamstring strain. Will he turn to veteran Drew Eubanks, who’s averaging 5.7 points and 3.0 rebounds, or give rookie Maxime Raynaud a shot? Eubanks brings experience, while Raynaud’s energy could be a wildcard. Who do you think should start? Let us know in the comments!
Zach LaVine’s Moment to Shine: With Monk, Murray, and Sabonis out, the Kings will lean heavily on Zach LaVine. The 30-year-old guard has been on fire in the preseason, averaging a team-high 16.0 points while shooting an impressive 62.1% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. Can he carry the team to their first win? Is LaVine the Kings’ secret weapon, or is he being asked to do too much?
Rookie Nique Clifford’s Rise: First-round draft pick Nique Clifford has been a bright spot for the Kings, averaging 14.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in just 23.2 minutes per game. His efficiency—51.6% from the field and 33.3% from three—has turned heads. Could Clifford be the rookie of the year contender no one saw coming?
Game Details:
- When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
- Where: Crypto.com Arena
- TV: None (Sorry, folks!)
- Online: Kings.com
- Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
- Odds: Lakers -6.5
- Over/Under: 227.5
Injury Report:
- Kings: PROBABLE – DeMar DeRozan (groin). QUESTIONABLE – Malik Monk (illness). OUT – Keegan Murray (thumb).
Written by Jason Anderson, The Sacramento Bee’s Kings beat writer and a Sacramento native, this game promises to be a must-watch. But here’s the real question: Can the Kings overcome their injuries and secure a win, or will the Lakers capitalize on their struggles? Share your thoughts below!
