The Lakers are in town.
That should be enough to inspire a spark out of the Kings tonight.
The Kings usually play with energy - something they've lacked a lot this season - when they play the Lakers. But at some point the Kings have to execute to end their losing streak, which is at five games.
Here are five things the Kings could try tonight to end their losing streak.
1. Hack-a-Howard: Lakers center Dwight Howard was 7 of 19 on free throws Tuesday night against Brooklyn. The Nets went to fouling Howard intentionally late, but still lost to the Lakers.
2. Attack from the point: The Kings are starting Darius Morris at point guard while Steve Nash and Steve Blake are out with injuries. Aaron Brooks, Jimmer Fredette and Isaiah Thomas have to be aggressive and test Morris.
3. Glass watch: The Lakers figure to have the advantage rebounding with Howard and Pau Gasol. The Kings can't make their job easier by taking bad shots that can be rebounded easily and lead to transition points. Nor can the Kings afford to allow Howard and Gasol too many second-chance points off offensive rebounds.
4. Run, run, run: The Lakers want to play fast, but the Kings are younger and have had two days off while the Lakers are in the second of back-to-back games. The more the Kings can run and not play halfcourt offense, the better their chances of winning.
5. Big bench effort: The Lakers' bench has not been productive and has been hurt by injuries that have left them with one point guard (Chris Duhon) to run the team. The Kings have been good off the bench most of the season and has to take advantage of the Lakers' second unit when possible.
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