Gameday live: Anthony Davis ruled out vs. Kings; Russell Westbrook’s odd fit with Lakers
There was good news and bad news on the illness and injury front Thursday as the Kings reconvened at their practice facility to prepare for their preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rookie forward Keegan Murray and center Richaun Holmes returned to practice after non-COVID-19 illnesses caused them to miss Wednesday’s 105-104 victory over the Phoenix Suns, but guard Kevin Huerter was held out due to ankle soreness.
Holmes missed three days of practice and Wednesday’s game due to a stomach ailment. He was in good spirits Thursday, saying he was happy to be back at practice because he missed his teammates and the good team vibes. Murray missed one day of practice and the game in Phoenix.
Kings coach Mike Brown didn’t specify whether Huerter, Holmes or Murray would be available when the Kings face the Lakers on Friday at Golden 1 Center. Holmes and Murray will likely be available based on their participation at practice, and Huerter was seen shooting after practice.
It remains to be seen whether Brown will choose to play any of them, but Holmes certainly sounded like he expected to play against the Lakers.
“Man, I feel great,” he said. “Great to be back on the court. Great to get a chance to get out there with the team tomorrow, and I feel good to be playing.”
The Kings (3-0) are looking to finish the preseason unbeaten. They handed the Lakers (1-4) a 105-75 loss in the preseason opener for both teams on Oct. 3.
Westbrook and the Lakers
The relationship between Russell Westbrook and the Lakers continues to draw attention for all the wrong reasons.
Multiple videos circulated of Westbrook being distant with teammates in Wednesday’s 118-113 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Westbrook took the floor by himself at the start of the game while the rest of the team huddled under the basket. Later, Westbrook blew off teammate Patrick Beverley when Beverley called players together to discuss strategy during a stoppage in play.
Westbrook shrugged off the controversy following practice Thursday, telling reporters in Los Angeles: “I don’t pay no mind to it, man. Honestly, I’m just trying to compete and do my job. … You can cut any video and make anything you want out of that.”
Big three
LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Westbrook have all appeared in three preseason games.
Davis is averaging 19.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists. James is averaging 17.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Westbrook is averaging 7.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 38.9% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range and 50% from the free-throw line.
Davis ruled out
Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reported Davis didn’t make the trip to Sacramento for precautionary reasons due to an unspecified back injury. Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports added Davis will not play against the Kings due to lower back soreness, citing a league source.
Kings injury update
The Kings have ruled Huerter out due to ankle soreness. Murray will be held out due to illness.
Lakers at Kings
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: None
Online: Kings.com (within 75 miles of Sacramento)
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Kings preseason schedule/results
Kings 105, Lakers 75
Kings 126, Trail Blazers 94
Kings 105, Suns 104
10/14 vs. Los Angeles Lakers
This story was originally published October 14, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
