Los Angeles Lakers: Takeaways from 128-123 win over the Kings

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 4: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during a pre-season game against the Sacramento Kings on October 4, 2018 at Staples Center, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 4: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during a pre-season game against the Sacramento Kings on October 4, 2018 at Staples Center, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 2: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers exchanges a high five with teammate Josh Hart #3 against the Denver Nuggets during a pre-season game on October 2, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers won their first preseason game of the season. Here are a few takeaways from the win.

The Los Angeles Lakers win a game! Okay it’s preseason but going back to last year the LeBron James losing streak was growing a bit. The Lakers outlast the Sacramento Kings 128-123 at the Staples Center. It was “Pride Night” at the arena…

https://twitter.com/SacramentoKings/status/1047888739718987778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1047888739718987778&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lakersnation.com%2Fbrandon-ingram-showcases-two-way-potential-as-lakers-get-first-preseason-win-vs-kings%2F2018%2F10%2F04%2F

But the night really belonged to Brandon Ingram who in the fourth quarter may have showed that he could be the next great two-way player in the NBA. But more on him later…Lake Show Life provided a preview of what the Lakers had to accomplish in the game…

How did things go?…Let’s find out shall we?

1.How long will LeBron James play?

"For the first couple of games against the Denver Nuggets, the only reason that I even discussed it was because every Lakers fan will ask. Also I’m getting in the habit of placing sports betting in the equation. Vegas will probably even weigh in on his minutes. So Lakers fans, here we go… I think the Los Angeles Lakers have put together a routine for LeBron James and his minutes throughout the preseason. The magic number has been around 15 minutes for the first two games. I’ve been saying that if LeBron James more than 20 minutes, somebody needs to be fired. Tonight Lakers fans, things might be different."

Aftermath…

NBA fans, if you are going to catch a Los Angeles Lakers game in the preseason hoping to watch LeBron James, I have a word of advice…Don’t be late. James played 16 minutes, scoring 18 points on an efficient 6-10 shooting while knocking down all six of his free throws.

He ended his night this way…

https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1048056658360852482

"It will be interesting to see how the Lakers use LeBron James in spots throughout the game. Brandon Ingram will run the point (more on him later) and Lance Stephenson will play backup. But if the offense is not flowing very well, look for James to initiate the offense."

Aftermath…

He didn’t have to. The backcourt of Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram came out and were aggressive early. They both made decisive moves on the offensive end. Ingram’s first basket was a dunk on a backdoor cut with a pass from James. Hart made his presence felt by taking the ball to the rim consistently which opened up the offense.