The Sacramento Kings run out of gas late and fall to the Los Angeles Lakers by the final of 98-95. Darren Collison leads the way with 26 points and six assists, but Kobe Bryant scores a game-high 32 for the Lakers, who are now 6-16 on the season.
Join James Ham and Rui Thomas for the Road Reaction Postgame Show on Google+ after the game. The show can be watched on the video player embedded below. You can also join the discussion of tonight’s game by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElnaYEbtAYY]Music Credit: Ronald Jenkees – Guitar Sound
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What to watch
1. Public Enemy No. 24
Kobe Bryant is back, and whether he admits it or not, playing the Kings is personal. This season the 16-time All-Star is taking 22.1 shots a game but making only 38.9 percent. Sacramento must force Bryant into tough attempts and attack the weathered 36-year-old on the other end.
2. Second chances
The Lakers aren’t an efficient shooting team (22nd in the NBA at 44.2 percent), but they dominate the offensive glass (12 per game). Jordan Hill is averaging 3.8 offensive boards per game, while Ed Davis isn’t far behind with 2.7, so the Kings frontcourt can’t diminish boxing out.
3. Offense from within
When you step into a shootout, it helps to bring a little firepower. With DeMarcus Cousins (virus) out, the Kings will need contributors on offense in any shape or form to ease the burden off Rudy Gay. Two ways to produce points out of thin air is at the foul line and in transition, where the Lakers have been terrible (28th in free throw attempts allowed and opponent fast break points per game). Their inability to defend cleanly and get back on defense has directly correlated to allowing the most points in the NBA per game (110.9).
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