In the third game of the 2018-1 NBA preseason, the new-look Los Angeles Lakers have finally secured their first win against the Sacramento Kings, 128-123. The LA Lakers still have a lot of work to do before they reach their full potential but, getting a win against a once rival in the Sacramento Kings is a good way to begin the Lebron-era in Los Angeles. With that said, check out the full highlights from the game above.
Brandon Ingram Will Be A Problem This Season
Tonight, Brandon Ingram got things going early in the game, making quick cuts to the basket and moving without the basketball allowing him to develop a good rhythm and gain unwavering confidence against his opponent.
His effort on defense didn’t go unnoticed as well as he was able to gather three steals, one of which came in the final minute of the game off of an inbound pass allowing the Lakers to escape with their first preseason win. Ingram also showed range by playing a large amount of his time on the court at the point guard position.
B.I. led the Lakers with an impressive stat line of 31 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and as previously mentioned three steals. In the preseason, Ingram AKA Slender Man is averaging an impressive 17 points per game on 53% shooting so far.
Ingram will need to take on more of a leadership role as the season continues in order to take the load of the newly acquired Lebron James who was able to add 18 points of his own in limited minutes. With performances like this, the future is bright for the point/forward going into his third NBA year.
Lance Stephenson Could Help Define This New Era of Showtime
Lance stay hyped 😂
Lance Stephenson has always been an entertaining talent but with his arrival in a large-market franchise, he will able to gain a larger fan-base following. His ball handling skills have always been underrated but now, he’ll be able to display his dribbling ability for the masses to wow over. Lance was able to put in a total of 10 points in the exhibition game against the Kings along with a team-best five assists.
Coming off the bench, Lance was able to get the basket utilizing his crossover and played unselfishly as he dished several quick passes to his teammates for easy buckets. The one-time villain of Lebron James will be a major asset for this developing Lakers team in the future and could possibly be looking at a long-term home on the west coast.
Kyle Kuzma (17 points, six rebounds, and three assists) and Josh Hart (17 points and four assists) made major contributions in LA’s first win of the preseason as well.
De’Aaron Fox Has Potential To Be Elite
In his sophomore year, De’Aaron Fox will have the opportunity to prove himself as an elite point guard in a league where the talent at the guard position is bountiful. This past Thursday, De’Aaron was almost able to score at will against a Los Angeles Lakers team that is still struggling to solidify a prestigious defensive presence against their opponents. De’Aaron was able to log 18 points and four assists in limited minutes before exiting the game and not returning in the second half.
Look out for De’Aaron to surprise the NBA community with his soft touch from the perimeter and slashing ability to get to the basket with ease.
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WATCH: The Lakers Secure Their First Preseason Win Against The Sacramento Kings