NBA: 5 Things Learned From Watching Los Angeles Lakers vs Sacramento Kings

by Rodney Fisher

DeMarcus Cousins and Paul Gasol will start their NBA
season in much different situations. Photo credit NBA 

While Kobe Bryant is trying every miracle of medicine to get back on the court as soon as possible, his teammates will start the season with pretty low expectations. The Kings, on the other hand, have much higher expectations with a secured building block player and a new ownership to help direct the project. A few realizations came to mind watching both teams play in Las Vegas, of all places, at the MGM, since both teams are gambling this season anyway.



1. DeMarcus Cousins Is A Problem...In A Good Way!

He had a double-double last night (16 points, 12 rebounds) a looked more skilled than last year. He has averaged close to a double-double in his first three seasons. With his new contract extension worth $60 milion, maybe his focus can take him to New Orleans in Februrary to play with other All-Stars. If can play more as DeMarcus rather than Boogie, he may get the shine he deserves.

2. The Lakers Will Be the Worst Defensive Team In The League

We already know that Mike D'Antoni coached teams are about has defensive as an open wound, but if your going to add Chris Kaman in the paint and Nick Young on the perimeter you could be worse. After covering the Mavs last season, I have seen Kaman's lack of presence in the paint first-hand. As for Young, Steve Nash, Jodie Meeks, and others, none will be able to stop an aggressive guard in the NBA.

3. Ben Macklemore Was A Great Pick

The rookie was impressive watching him for the first time outside of the NBA Summer League. He had 12 points, 5 assists, and the team was +11 with him in the game. What he will need to work on his 5 fouls and 3 turnovers in the game. He could be the next building block to pair with Cousins for the future.

4. Shaqramento Kings

 We have yet to see what effect Shaquille O'neal will have on the franchise he once referred to as the "Sacramento Queens". We do know he has been advising Cousins and is excited about being part of the ownership group. Depending on his level of involvement, he could be the marketing magnet to get the attention on the young players they have. He is tasked with making the team a global brand.

5. Kobe's Injury Is Only The Start Of Things To Come

As if not having Black Mamba for the majority of the season wasn't enough to overcome, Steve Nash did not play in the second half due to a sore ankle. Jordan Farmer did not play either for whatever reasons undisclosed. They still have an older roster that may not be ready to play all the time, due to injuries, fatigue, or needing a night off. D'Antoni is already under extreme pressure as the head coach that half of the Buss family did not want, and now will have to survive this difficult season.