Lakers: Predicting How LA Will Fare Against The Pacific Division
2016-17 Scheduled Games
November 10, 2016 – LAL @ Kings
December 12, 2016 – LAL @ Kings
February 14, 2017 – Kings @ LAL
April 7, 2017 – Kings @ LAL
Let’s face it, the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings aren’t exactly rivals. The only real rivalry basis they have is the fact that they both reside in the Pacific Division. But if you follow the logic of Laker Legend Kobe Bryant, a rivalry isn’t a rivalry if the same team keeps winning.
That’s the situation here with Sacramento and Los Angeles. Every time Chris Webber led his Kings into the Playoffs to face Bryant’s Lakers, the Kings fell short. And since then, they haven’t even matched up in the post season again.
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The Kings have a fair amount of talent on this year’s roster. Matt Barnes, Aaron Afflalo, & Ty Lawson all signed this summer to join blossoming big man DeMarcus Cousins.
However, the Kings are in a world of disarray. From the front office to the coaching staff, no one seems to know the direction this team is headed.
Last year, the Kings were able to best the Lakers on sheer talent alone. Don’t expect that to be the case this year though. Between the development of their young core, the new coaching staff, and the veteran additions, the Lakers should have more than enough to overwhelm the Kings and regain control of this match up.
These two teams will meet four times this season and I expect the Lakers to win at least three of those meetings. Head coach Luke Walton is a coach that will surely preach the philosophy of winning the games you are supposed to win. And there’s no doubt that from now on, the Lakers are ‘supposed’ to beat the Kings.
Verdict: Lakers 3-1
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