The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a showdown with the Sacramento Kings after securing consecutive wins and a couple of days off. The Lakers (36-30) are seeking revenge on the road against the Kings (37-27) in a game tipped for 7:00 p.m. on Spectrum SportsNet and ESPN.

Here are three key things to know ahead of the matchup:

HISTORIC AD

In the Lakers’ recent victory over the Wolves, Anthony Davis delivered an outstanding statistical performance, scoring 27 points, grabbing 25 rebounds (including 10 offensive rebounds), making seven steals, providing five assists, and blocking three shots. AD’s exceptional performance marked a historic milestone in NBA history, as he became the first player to achieve such a combination of points, rebounds, steals, assists, and blocks in a single game. Davis emphasized the team’s effort, the game’s significance, and his role in securing the crucial win, highlighting the importance of collective performance and the stakes of the game.

Teammates also acknowledged Davis’ significant contributions, with Austin Reaves praising his dominant presence and impactful performance on the court. While it’s unrealistic to expect AD to replicate such extraordinary numbers consistently, maintaining momentum and delivering strong production against the Kings will be pivotal for the Lakers in their quest for victory.

STRUGGLING DEFENSE

Despite the Lakers’ offensive prowess, their defensive performance has been inconsistent, with recent struggles impacting their overall defensive rating. Over the last 10 games, the Lakers have ranked 28th in defensive rating (118.7), highlighting their defensive challenges. The team has faced difficulties in limiting opponent fast break points, ranking among the bottom 10 teams, and has struggled to contain opponent points in the paint, ranking 27th in the league. Addressing these defensive vulnerabilities will be crucial for the Lakers as they aim to maintain a balanced performance against the Kings.