Instant Analysis: Five takeaways from Kings Summer League loss to Lakers

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LAS VEGAS, NV --  The Lakers pulled the plug and the ballyhooed matchup between Lonzo Ball and De’Aaron Fox Monday night. Los Angeles chose to sit their star young point guard, which opened the door for Sacramento to pick up their first win during the 2017 Summer League schedule.  But that’s not what happened. Los Angeles jumped all over the Kings early, leading by as many as 28. Sacramento made a late run, but fell by a final of 95-92.

-- Frank Mason is finding his stride. The former Kansas Jayhawk star looked like the little engine that could against the Lakers. He broke down Los Angeles’ defense and found open shooters. With others struggling, the second-rounder gave the Kings a boost with 24 points, six assists and five rebounds off the bench.

-- Buddy Hield is all over the board. After going cold in games 1 and 2, Hield lit the Lakers up for two 3-pointers early. And then he forced the action. He’s put on himself to have a big Summer League appears to be wearing on the second-year guard. He caught fire late, knocking down four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to finish with 22 points.

-- Justin Jackson is a nice asset to have. In today’s NBA, it’s refreshing to see a player who can play without the ball in his hands. After going 0-of-8 from long range on Sunday, the 22-year-old forward finished with 16 points on 7-for-16 from field. While he shot just 2-of-6 from deep, he plays the game under control and with confidence. That third year at UNC is paying off early.

-- De’Aaron Fox knows how to silence a crowd. With Laker fans chanting “over-rated” in the first half, Fox ran right by his defender for a lay-up. There might not be a faster player in the league. He needs to get his teammates involved, but Kings fans should be excited about their prized top five pick.

-- Ignoring your bigs is ill-advised. Georgios Papagiannis has struggled big time in Las Vegas and Skal Labissiere has been a non-factor in game 3. Sacramento over-dribbled on the perimeter and forced up bad shots, limiting their starting power forward and center to a combined nine shots, none of which found the bottom of the net.

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