Though the team is in the playoffs right now, it is all the more important that it handily win games against lottery teams like Sacramento down the stretch.
Moreover, the Kings have already defeated the Lakers once this season, on Nov. 21. As young as the team is, they still have enough talent on the roster to take out star-studded squads like Los Angeles.
The battle for California is also sure to be a factor in this game, but nowhere near first priority. The Lakers need to maintain pace in the highly-competitive Western Conference, and that means not taking the Kings lightly, even if they are bound for the draft lottery once again.
Throw in that star scorer Kobe Bryant may not be available for this game due to a sprained ankle, and a win is all the more important. Los Angeles needs this game badly, or else all of its momentum could very well be dead at the most important point of its season.
Time: Sunday, March 17, 9:30 p.m. ET
TV: CSN California, Time Warner Cable Sportsnet
Records: Sacramento Kings (23-43) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (35-32)
Injuries: Pau Gasol (foot, day-to-day), Kobe Bryant (ankle, day-to-day), Jordan Hill (hip, out), DeMarcus Cousins (thigh, day-to-day) James Johnson (personal, day-to-day)
Key Storyline: Lakers Seek to Maintain Momentum with Win Over Sacramento
Under normal circumstances, the Lakers should have this game in the bag. Unfortunately for them, history is not on their side this season.
The team was able to ride 23 points and 18 rebounds from Dwight Howard to a 103-90 victory on Nov. 11, but their luck did not repeat itself for Round 2 on Nov. 21.
Despite 38 points from Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles lost 113-97 ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
