Kings gameday live: Richaun Holmes update; Status of Lakers’ LeBron James, Anthony Davis
The Los Angeles Lakers won’t have Anthony Davis when they face the Kings on Wednesday at Golden 1 Center, but they will probably have LeBron James.
The Lakers have routinely listed James as questionable since he was sidelined for eight games in November with a rectus abdominus strain. The four-time MVP hasn’t actually missed a game since briefly entering NBA health and safety protocols before a game against the Kings on Nov. 30.
The Lakers are listing James as probable for Wednesday’s game in Sacramento. The Kings beat the Lakers at full strength in a 141-137 triple-overtime victory Nov. 26 in Los Angeles, but the Lakers won the last two games, including a 117-92 victory without James last time they were in Sacramento. That was the night Lakers fans took over Golden 1 Center and interim Kings coach Alvin Gentry apologized to Kings fans after the game.
The Kings (16-27) have lost five in a row since beating the Miami Heat on Jan. 2. Center Richaun Holmes cleared health and safety protocols Tuesday, but he was assigned to the G League Stockton Kings for practice time and reconditioning. He is not expected to play against the Lakers.
Tristan Thompson is questionable after missing Monday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to right quad soreness. Damian Jones is still out due to health and safety protocols. Gentry will again rely on backup center Alex Len and rookie Neemias Queta at the center position.
The Lakers (21-20) had won four in a row before suffering a 127-119 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. They experienced their own five-game losing streak when they lost Davis, who is scheduled to be reevaluated in the days ahead after missing the past 11 games with a left MCL sprain.
James has been a dominant force since coming back from his injury. Over the past 15 games, he is averaging 32.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks while shooting 56.2% from the field and 41.2% from 3-point range.
Carmelo downgraded
The Lakers have downgraded veteran forward Carmelo Anthony to questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Kings due to lower back tightness.
Anthony is averaging 13.2 points and 4.1 rebounds in his 19th season. He had 17 points and seven rebounds in Friday’s victory over the Atlanta Hawks, but he was held to seven points on 2-of-8 shooting in Sunday’s loss to the Grizzlies.
Thompson ruled out
The Kings have ruled Thompson out due to a non-COVID-19 illness. Thompson was previously listed as questionable due to right quad soreness.
Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sports 1140 KHTK
Odds: Lakers -4.0
Over/under: 230.5
Injury report
Lakers: PROBABLE — LeBron James (abdominal). OUT — Anthony Davis (MCL); Jay Huff (G League); Mason Jones (G League); Kendrick Nunn (knee).
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Tristan Thompson (quad). OUT — Richaun Holmes (G League/reconditioning); Damian Jones (health and safety protocols); Louis King (G League); Jahmi’us Ramsey (G League); Robert Woodard II (G League).
This story was originally published January 12, 2022 at 4:00 AM.
