The Sacramento Kings look to end a five-game losing streak at Sleep Train Arena tonight. The Kings host a Los Angeles Laker team that philosophy-wise is much different than the squad they swept in preseason and lost to just a week-and-a-half ago.
Although Los Angeles is now employing a new style of play, Kings big man Jason Thompson remains optimistic about his team’s chances considering the circumstances of their last meeting.
I think we played well for the most part. I think last time in L.A. when we played them, we didn’t have (Thomas Robinson) and we didn’t have (DeMarcus Cousins), so obviously that’s going to help us out. We were successful against them when we were all together. Obviously that was preseason, but you know guys were going hard then. So obviously it counts now and I think with a full strength of guys in the front court to help me out, it should be good.
What do the Kings need to do to come away with a win? According to Tyreke Evans, they must come out with an attack-first mindset on offense.
Just be aggressive. We know that they got shot blockers and (I) know that my pull up is going to be there, so I’ma look for that. And just (get) our transition attack (going).
Evans will likely find himself matched-up throughout the game against Kobe Bryant. The Kings swingman knows Bryant is not an easy guard and that he can’t let the future hall of famer’s shot-making ability get him down on defense.
Kobe is Kobe. It’s going to be a challenge for me. I’m going to be ready for the challenge. I’m going to play defense. I know he’s going to make tough shots. (I) just (have to) keep him working 48 minutes.
Tip-off between the Kings and Lakers is set for 7 pm. Follow Cowbell Kingdom for continued pre and postgame coverage.
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