Lakers vs Sacramento Kings Preseason: 3 Things to Watch For

The Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Sacramento Kings in their first preseason game Tuesday night, here are three things to watch for during the game

Tuesday night represents a monumental day for Lakers’ fans and players alike, as it will be the first time in 20 years that the team hits the hardwood without their fearless leader, Kobe Bryant.

While The Black Mamba has left some large shoes to fill, the young members of the Purple and Gold appear fully prepared to take the challenge head on. We’re just as excited as the rest of you, so without further adieu, here are three quick things to watch out for during Tuesday’s preseason opener.

Who Does Luke Walton Start on Tuesday?

Coach Luke Walton made it known earlier in the offseason that Brandon Ingram would most likely start the season coming off the bench, but the most recent reports have him undecided on who he’s going to start on Tuesday night.

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While preseason starting lineups aren’t always the best indicator of who will start come Opening Night, it will be interesting nonetheless to see if Walton goes back on his word. If that’s the case, and Ingram is inserted into the starting lineup against the Kings, we can fully assume that his one week of training camp was more impressive than we could have imagined.

Walton hasn’t made it clear which positions exactly he’s still on the fence about, but we assume it’s at the starting small forward spot.

Who Will Step Up As the Lakers’ New Leader?

Ever since Kobe Bryant left in April, one of the overarching questions has been who will fill the leadership role that KB24 left behind.

Many assumed that it would be D’Angelo Russell, as his performance during Summer League spoke volumes to his ability to run a team, but Julius Randle is also a possibility.

Though last year was technically his rookie season, Randle is older and more tenured than Russell. Further, he’s held the leadership role on most, if not all, of the team’s he has played for. Additionally, the Lakers have a handful of savvy veterans who could take this position, most likely in the form of former Chicago Bull, Luol Deng.

Which Brandon Ingram Will Come Out To Play?

Prior to lacing up for his first game with the Los Angeles Lakers in Summer League, Ingram made it known that he would look to be a more vocal leader in his next chapter of basketball.