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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 lessons from win vs. Sacramento Kings

ByRonald Agers|
SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 10: JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket against the Sacramento Kings on November 10, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 10: JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket against the Sacramento Kings on November 10, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers relied on their defense to beat the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. Check out our three takeaways from the game.

If I told you that the Los Angeles Lakers shot just over 41 percent from the field and the free throw line and 31 percent from the land of three, you’d think the Lakers lost right? Well, think again.

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings 101-86 on the road in a manner that has not been practiced by this team this year. It was done on defense folks, let’s break out the good china plates, shall we?

After giving up an average of 119 points this season, the Lakers held the Kings to a season-low by a large margin. How huge is this? The Kings are one of the leaders in the NBA in offensive pace and fourth in scoring overall coming into the game.

The Lakers held the Kings to 32 points UNDER their scoring average on the strength (or lack thereof) of 34.8 percent from the field and 24 percent from deep.

With this win, the Lakers are now 6-6 and the winners in four games of the last five. This is the first time the Lakers have been at this mark since the 2012-13 season. That’s a long time, people.

But, this game was all about defense, something that the Lakers are going to have to get a concept of improving on if this streak is to continue…

Notice not a lot of sweat on LeBron James for the interview. He really didn’t have to work very hard. In 31 minutes, James dropped 25 points, grabbed five rebounds with an assist and steal. The good thing about this performance was he collected these stats when the team needed them.

While the offense was stagnant to start the game, he made sure that the Kings did not take advantage of the poor shooting and gain a lead.

If you tuned in to watch two teams run up and down the floor scoring 125 points apiece…sorry about that. But this game may be a symbol to the Lakers turning the season around.

Here are my three lessons…

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