Game 38 Thread - Kings (20-17) vs Lakers (18-21)

[codydaze]

Kings continue the short homestand against the Pacific division rival Lakers.

Things I'm looking for tonight:
1. Shoot it, I dare you. While the Lakers are coming off one of their hottest nights from deep this season (16-35, 46%), they are still near the bottom of the league in 3P%. With Austin Reaves out, the only real deep threats they have are Schroder and Kendrick Nunn, neither of which are the most reliable shooters. What we can't do is let this team get to the rim and make plays, we need to be daring them to beat us with the outside shot.

2. Take care of the ball. The last couple games have seen some sloppy play leading to some costly turnovers. We need to play smart and protect the ball so we can limit transition opportunities for Lebron and Russ. We're giving up the 8th most point off of turnovers per game in the league and I think a lot of that is due to the nature of our turnovers. Too often they are soft passes made that get taken away and lead directly to easy baskets. We need to limit those turnovers and make sure we are getting back into transition defense.

3. Assert yourself! The last seven games have been within 10 points and have all pretty much been tight very late into the game. Our last win by more than 10 points comes, ironically, in the last matchup with the Lakers. Even that game, however, was a fairly close game throughout until we finally pulled away late. I really want to see this team come out swinging and put them away early. The Lakers have been playing better as of late and are 5-3 since that game, currently on a 4 game win streak. Make a statement and prove why we are currently atop the division.

[BoogieTime]

I'm actually happy that Monk isnt playing tonight even though I dont like Davis, says a lot about his season

I'm hoping the word about LeBron not playing is accurate, otherwise the Lakers are coming in hot although on a back to back

-edit - damn he's playing, this will be a close one that will need to be earned

[OxAndFox]

Kings need this one. That's an understatement obviously. Every team is breathing down the Kings' neck and for the most part, the results have gone the Kings' way in recent times.

On another note, if they go down we're going to have to start thinking about a "The codydaze concern thread"

[City of Trees]

Skip "should" be watching tonight

Read on Twitter

[City of Trees]

I like your keys to the game codydaze

[City of Trees]

It didn't go in but I like that elbow jumper from Keegan.

[City of Trees]

Keegan with active hands. He's caused two turnovers already.

[codydaze]

Kings need this one. That's an understatement obviously. Every team is breathing down the Kings' neck and for the most part, the results have gone the Kings' way in recent times.

On another note, if they go down we're going to have to start thinking about a "The codydaze concern thread"

Someone might need to take the mantle on game threads.

[BoogieTime]

Lakers are getting better play from their role players recently. this isnt the lebron only show as it was last time out.

[City of Trees]

Trey Lyles living at the line in the last 5 seconds of the quarter

[City of Trees]

Kings need this one. That's an understatement obviously. Every team is breathing down the Kings' neck and for the most part, the results have gone the Kings' way in recent times.

On another note, if they go down we're going to have to start thinking about a "The codydaze concern thread"

Someone might need to take the mantle on game threads.

The board is watching closely

[BoogieTime]

some actual positive play without Sabonis on the floor. the bench hasn't been good in recent times, but nice end to the quarter

[BoogieTime]

I like the pace, lakers on a back to back. we will see how much gas in the tank they have

[Lost in LA]

Does Lebron ever not travel?

[BoogieTime]

both of these backup guards either are (Davis) or have been (Monk) terrible for a long time

Haven't liked Fox or the backup bigs at times on the bench but that backup off guard position has been a leach any time recently

[City of Trees]

Why KZ can't find consistent minutes is a mystery to me?

[City of Trees]

Ok we are back in it after a scary start to the 4th

[codydaze]

Take care of the ball. Sigh.

[codydaze]

We desperately need to get some defense at the deadline.

[BoogieTime]

im more disappointed in the hawks/hornets/wizards losses. yes, the ending was questionable, but the lakers had the upper hand on the momentum, partly because they still had the best player on the court. Lebron is still nice at his age, and putting solid role players around him and they are charging back into the mix