Kings-Lakers Game Hampered by Injuries

The Sacramento Kings will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 26 with both teams shorthanded due to injuries. Sacramento will be without Keegan Murray, who underwent thumb surgery, and rookie Nique Clifford (hamstring); Kevin Jones is returning from illness and is expected to take on a larger role. The Lakers have been ruled out for the game LeBron James (sciatica), Maxi Kleber (abdominal/oblique), and rookie Adou Thiero (left-knee), forcing secondary scorers such as Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura to shoulder larger offensive loads. The matchup’s outcome will likely hinge on depth, defensive effectiveness and how well each team adjusts rotations to account for absences.