Lakers vs Kings Preview: Last Call For Cowbell
By Eric Yee
Thursday night the Los Angeles Lakers journey away from home for Kobe Bryant‘s last game in Sacramento
In years past, the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings rivalry was one of the best in the Western Conference, if not the entire NBA.
Fueled by Shaquille O’Neal‘s constant chatter about Los Angeles being the actual capital of California to him dubbing them the “Sacramento Queens,” the rivalry had all the pieces necessary for must-see-TV: a distraught ex-Laker in Vlade Divac, the Rick Fox and Doug Christie dynamic, and Kobe Bryant‘s subtle usurping of the throne.
These days, when the two teams play, the game is often moved to the back burner in fan’s minds. That said, Thursday represents Kobe Bryant’s last game in the place formerly known as ARCO Arena and it will be interesting to see how fans greet the Black Mamba.
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Similar to the questions about how Kobe would be received in Boston, will there be a video tribute of Kobe destroying the Kings in the 2000’s? Will Vlade come out and present Kobe with a cowbell?
Considering Sacramento’s relatively close proximity to Los Angeles, it can be assumed that diehard Kobe fans will make the trek up the 5 Freeway to see one of his last games. Despite a probable tag, you can bet your bottom dollar that Kobe Bryant will suit up against the Kings Thursday night.
In regards to the actual game, the Sacramento Kings are a 8.5 point favorite which is strange considering the amount of injuries they are currently dealing with.
Before their blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors Tuesday night, the Lakers showed signs of improvement so look for this game to be competitive throughout.
Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings
Date: Thursday, Jan. 7
Start Time: 7:30 p.m. PT
Location: Sacramento, CA
Arena: Sleep Train Arena
TV Info: NBA TV
Live Stream: NBA League Pass (unavailable until after the game)
Radio: Here
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Kings -8.5
Moneyline: Kings -405, Lakers +325
O/U: 212.5
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant (shoulder)—Questionable, D’Angelo Russell (illness)—Questionable
Sacramento Kings: Ben McLemore (back spasms)—Questionable, Willie Cauley-Stein (finger)—Doubtful, Rajon Rondo (back spasms)—Questionable, Omri Casspi (back)—Questionable, Duje Dukan (leg)—Out, Eric Moreland (foot)—Out
Prediction
20. Final. 111. 84. 97
The Lakers can’t find an answer for DeMarcus Cousins and continue to get exploited at the small forward position with a big game from Rudy Gay.
Julius Randle will seemingly bounce back playing 25 plus minutes, bullying his way to yet another double-double.
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