Kings vs. Lakers: Players on Each Side with Most to Prove in Preseason Game

The NBA preseason is always important.

Young players have a chance to prove they deserve more playing time, while established veterans show they still have the skill they once had.

When the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Sacramento Kings in an early preseason game on Friday, do not watch the score.

Instead, fans should watch these hard-working players who will be giving it their all, regardless of game situation. 

 

Sacramento Kings

Jason Thompson, Power Forward



The big man started at power forward for most of last season. Unfortunately, he was the least productive member of the starting lineup, averaging only 9.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.

In the offseason, the Kings drafted Thomas Robinson with the No. 5 pick of the draft. It is unlikely a pick this high stays on the bench.

Thompson has started each of the three preseason games this year, but his hold on the job is very weak. He needs to make sure he proves that his experience is better than anything Robinson can provide out of the gate.

Otherwise, his minutes will start to disappear quickly.

 

Travis Outlaw, Small Forward



A few years ago, Outlaw was one of the best bench players in the league for the Portland Trail Blazers. That time is long gone.

Last season, the veteran was not even a serviceable rotation player. He averaged only 12.8 minutes per game, and his once-solid three-point shooting was down to 26.7 percent.

If Outlaw does not prove in the next few preseason games that he can help the team, he might be out of a job by the beginning of the year.

 

Los Angeles Lakers

Devin Ebanks, Small Forward



The Lakers have put together an outstanding starting lineup, but the one weak spot might be at small forward. Although Metta World Peace is the s...

About the Author