Four more preseason games separate the Los Angeles Lakers and opening night against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 30.
Three out of the last four games in the preseason will be against the division rival Sacramento Kings with the first game set to be played in Las Vegas, Nevada tomorrow night.
Unfortunately, the Lakers will be without Dwight Howard once again as he continues his rehab from back surgery according to Kevin Ding of the Orange County Register via Twitter:
Dwight Howard (back) will not play tomorrow night in Lakers’ exhibition in Vegas against Sacramento.
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) October 18, 2012
Along with Howard watching from the bench for a fifth straight game, forwards Jordan Hill and Earl Clark will also miss Friday’s game against the Kings according to Mike Trudell of Lakers.com:
Mike Brown says Dwight Howard, Jordan Hill & Earl Clark will not play in Las Vegas tomorrow night vs. Sacramento.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 18, 2012
With Howard, Hill and Clark out for another game, the frontcourt will be thin for the Lakers once again with Robert Sacre and Pau Gasol likely being the starters at center and power forward. Antawn Jamison may also see some minutes at the power forward position.
Coming into first of three meetings against the Kings in Las Vegas, the Lakers will be trying to pull out their first win of the preseason. With four consecutive losses coming against the Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers and two to the Utah Jazz, Lakers Coach Mike Brown will hope for better luck against Sacramento.
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Although the starters have played well throughout the first four games, the bench has really struggled to hold leads and make an impression on the coaching staff. With four games remaining, a lot of players will be competing for a spot on the final roster and will need to show what they can do before being sent packing.
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In case you missed it: Kobe talks A-Rod, growing up in a family of “a-holes.”
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