The Lakers Opponent Tonight: Sacramento

Rather than look at the Lakers for once, it’s Friday, so we’re going to switch it up a bit. You might want to look at the team that the Lakers are going to be playing tonight, and one that they will be playing plenty of times this season: the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers and the Kings used to be rivals back in the days when they were both in the running to go to the Western Conference Finals. Times have changed. The Lakers and Kings are fighting themselves more than they are each other nowadays, much to the displeasure of California basketball fans. The main cause of internal conflict for the Lakers is, of course, Kobe Bryant. For the Kings the problem child is Ron Artest. Like the Lakers, the Kings can’t seem to get rid of Ron because of contract problems, the fact that there might not be a market for his kind of drama, and that he’s probably their best player.

Other than Ron Artest, the Kings have a team that lacks punch. Mike Bibby is a solid point guard, but getting older and might be losing a step or two this season, and he’ll be in a lot of trade talk. Kevin Martin is the real highlight of the team. Martin had a breakout season last year, and the Kings are hoping that they will see similar production out of him. The Kings also have a brand-new coach, Reggie Theus. Reggie was a head coach at New Mexico State, but has no NBA experience, so it will be interesting to see how a troubled team and a new coach mesh.

To get Lakers tickets, go to StubHub.com.

Permalink - Posted in General on October 26, 2007 - Post a comment