Author: Alex Ignacio
Lakers zone defense recap: JJ Redick called the new 3-2 matchup zone “a weapon” after the Lakers beat Sacramento 114-110. Luka Doncic scored 23, Austin Reaves made his preseason debut with eight assists, Sandro Mamukelashvili had 19, and Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton missed a third straight game.
Kings vs Golden Knights preview: after 27 turnovers against Florida, the 0-2-1 Kings want better execution, not a new system. Anton Forsberg is projected in goal based on the rotation, Kevin Fiala is still targeting about Nov. 1, and Jack Eichel leads a 3-1-0 Vegas team on Saturday.
Clippers practice report before Vancouver: Bradley Beal is still not doing five-on-five work as his knee inflammation is managed, Tyronn Lue wants more pace and more possessions, Max Strus’s timeline now covers the first two weeks of the season, and rookie Baba Miller keeps pushing.
Lakers vs Kings game day at Crypto.com Arena: JJ Redick called the first half at Golden State unacceptable, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton and Arthur Kaluma are still day-to-day, Sacramento may get Keegan Murray, Malik Monk and Ben Simmons back, and five things to watch tonight.
Kings lose to Panthers 2-1 in the 60th-anniversary home opener: Alex Laferriere scored late in the first, the power play could not convert 1:21 of 5-on-3, Seth Jones and Matthew Tkachuk answered, and Kuemper made 26 saves. Doughty and Laviolette weigh in before Saturday at Vegas.
Clippers vs Raptors preview for Saturday’s NBA Canada Series game at Rogers Arena: Kawhi Leonard is unlikely to face his former team, Max Strus is out, Keaton Wagler and Kris Dunn compete for the open guard spot, and Bradley Beal and Brandon Ingram remain sidelined.
Lakers vs Warriors recap: with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and five others sitting, the Lakers trailed 81-53 at halftime and lost 124-98 at Chase Center. Mamukelashvili scored 15, Dalton Knecht posted the only positive plus-minus, and Sacramento visits Thursday.
Kings vs Panthers game day for the home opener: Mats Zuccarello takes a maintenance day, Kevin Fiala skates in his rehab, Laviolette likes the 11-7, the goalie is not yet confirmed (projections split on Kuemper and Forsberg), and Florida arrives without Barkov and Ekblad.
Max Strus injury update: the Clippers confirm a partial plantar fascia tear in his right foot with reevaluation in four weeks, ruling him out for the preseason and the start of the season. The full injury list, rotation options (Wagler, Dunn, Dick) and the Oct. 10 Vancouver game.
Lakers beat Kings 127-103 at Sacramento: Luka Doncic scores 21 in a first-half-only return, rookie Cam Carr adds 19, Grimes and Ziaire Williams lead full-court pressure that forces 26 turnovers, and Reaves, Kessler and Sexton sit before tonight’s game at Golden State.