The Sacramento Kings (20-18) and the Los Angeles Lakers (19-21) were the embodiment of neck-to-neck tonight. Just as soon as the Kings led, the Lakers would come around, and similarly, so did the Kings. It was an exciting, nail-biting game till the very end. The Lakers finally won the game with a difference of 2 points, 136-134. The Lakers’ transition to being worthy contenders has gotten approval from NBA legend Magic Johnson and former player Kendrick Perkins. They heaped praise on LeBron James and his team.
Magic, who was a former Lakers player himself, was ecstatic about his team stretching their victory. Perkins also tweeted, “The 2023 Lakers ain’t playing no damn games“.
King LeBron James vs the Kings
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Magic Johnson gave a shoutout to Dennis Schroder for his “excellent play” tonight. Schroder made 2 free throws with 3.6 seconds left and sealed the deal for the Lakers. Perkins said this game was an “impressive win”. He added that the Lakers have played “best basketball” in their last five games.
Laker Nation, our Lakers won their 5th straight game beating the Kings 136-134! Dennis Schroder continued his excellent play by making two free throws to seal the win for the Lakers and scoring 27 points.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 8, 2023
The 2023 Lakers ain’t playing no damn games I see. This was a very impressive win in Sacramento tonight on a back to back. One could argue that over the last 5 games they have been playing some of the best basketball in the league! Carry the hell on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 8, 2023
LeBron James has been currently averaging 28.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. In his 20th season, the 38-year-old player showed no signs of stopping. Though father time is catching up with him, LeBron has repeatedly said that he is still chasing the championship ring.
This attitude got even more cemented of late, despite the team’s struggles with healthy players. But to everyone’s surprise, the Lakers team has also fared well in games without LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Despite the best efforts by the Sacramento Kings, they had to give in to the reigning King.
How are the Lakers faring currently?
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LeBron James’ Lakers are now on a victory streak winning their last 5 games. LeBron himself posted 37 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Thomas Bryant was a special asset tonight by being the second-highest scorer on the team. He finished the night with 29 points and 14 rebounds.
The Lakers have had struggles in the recent past to keep their players healthy. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, both Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker IV were sidelined due to their respective injuries. Anthony Davis’ return hasn’t still been penciled in.
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But it appears that the Lakers are taking in their stride, and the results are in their favor as well. Head coach of the franchise, Darvin Ham addressed the concerns of the multiple player injuries. He was confident that it wasn’t a setback as much as it was a “challenge”. He said that this was a period of discovery. Ham added, “I?m looking at another opportunity to see what we have and what combinations we can throw out there so upon his [AD] return?“
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