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Lakers-Kings Preview

Mar 16, 2010 - 6:41 AM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

Los Angeles (49-18) at Sacramento (23-44), 10:00 p.m. EDT

After barely holding on to beat a last-place team, the Los Angeles Lakers still don't appear to be back in top form yet. They should have plenty of chances to earn convincing victories versus inferior clubs over the next six days.

Winners of three straight, the Lakers hope to put together a more complete performance despite a quick turnaround as they visit the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night.

A string of wins gives Western Conference-leading Los Angeles (49-18) some confidence following its first three-game skid in more than two years. However, though their streak includes a 102-96 victory over Phoenix on Friday night, the Lakers can't be feeling entirely secure about their play following a 124-121 win over Golden State on Monday night.

Los Angeles led by 11 late in the fourth quarter, but the victory wasn't in hand until Warriors guards Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis missed 3-pointers in the final seconds. Ellis' shot bounced on the rim three times before falling aside at the buzzer.

"You're not going to see anything remotely close to this in the playoffs," Lakers star Kobe Bryant said. "Not even close. There's nothing you can gauge in this game."

The Lakers had strong numbers offensively against a poor Warriors defense, but they committed 24 turnovers. That included a season-high nine by Bryant.

Golden State is the type of team Los Angeles usually handles easily. After their matchup with the Kings (23-44), the Lakers will be back home Friday night to face Minnesota - which has the West's worst record - before hosting Washington two days later.

Los Angeles has had trouble against Sacramento this season, needing two overtimes to win 112-103 on the road Dec. 26. Bryant had two clutch 3-pointers in the second OT, and in the next matchup made a buzzer-beating shot from beyond the arc as the Lakers overcame a 20-point deficit to beat the Kings 109-108 on Jan. 1.

Bryant is averaging 38.5 points and 2.5 steals while shooting 9 for 15 from 3-point range in those contests.

Los Angeles may be headed for another tight matchup, playing a Sacramento team that has won four of six at home, including a 103-99 victory over Utah on Feb. 26.

"With Kobe (Bryant) coming here there is going to be a good crowd," Sacramento rookie Tyreke Evans said. "We have to bring our 'A' game."

The Kings had little trouble against the Timberwolves, resting their starters down the stretch of a 114-100 win Sunday night.

Evans just missed his second triple-double in five days, posting 29 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds before leaving the game with 6:04 remaining as coach Paul Westphal decided to empty his bench.

Evans recorded his first career triple-double in a 113-90 win over Toronto on Wednesday night, finishing with 19 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds.

"I think he's going to have lots and lots of triple-doubles in his career," Westphal said.

The apparent frontrunner in the rookie of the year race, Evans is averaging 20.3 points, 5.6 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals. He missed Sacramento's last matchup with Los Angeles due to a sprained ankle.

The Kings have lost 10 of their last 12 versus the Lakers, surrendering 115.4 points per game.