Kings' Front Court Leads Offensive Attack Against Lakers

The Sacramento Kings played a much better overall game against the Los Angeles Lakers in their second preseason matchup, losing by four, but once again getting good production from projected key contributors.

Darius Acuff Jr. had his moments, knocking down outside jump shots, but it was the front court that carried the offensive load.

Second-year big man Maxime Raynaud had a very strong game, producing a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Throughout the offseason, Raynaud spent time with the French National Team, where he made the most of his opportunities behind Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert, and helped lead the team to multiple qualifying victories.

Heading into his sophomore season, Raynaud will likely once again start the season as a backup big with Domantas Sabonis returning to full health.

But, Raynaud's efficiency and effectiveness in his limited minutes this offseason has been extremely encouraging.

Precious Achiuwa, who resigned with Sacramento on a two-year deal, also had a big performance.

The former Memphis standout averaged a career-best 10.1 points per game, adding 6.7 rebounds for the Kings last season, well outplaying his veteran minimum deal.

Achiuwa really caught his groove after the All-Star Break, upping his numbers in nearly every category and turning it up a notch on the defensive end.

But, perhaps his best attributes are his intangibles, as head coach Doug Christie talked about during last season.

"He's so coachable. He's a pleasure as a coach because he's listening," Christie said. He wants to win, he's about the team, all the right things. He wants to win so he'll be upset but then he lets it go and the smile is back on his face."

In the final game of the season, Achiuwa left the Kings front office with a good last impression, scoring a game-high 27 points against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Achiuwa ended the month of April averaging over 15 points per game for the second consecutive month.

Two-way forward Jonathan Mogbo also filled up the stat sheet on Thursday, scoring 12 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Mogbo, the No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, played his first two seasons with the Toronto Raptors, playing limited minutes in a bench role.

In Sacramento, Mogbo will likely spend most of his time with the G-League affiliate Stockton Kings, but gives Christie much-needed depth in the front court.

Although the Kings are still looking for their first preseason victory, the continued growth seen from players like Raynaud and Acuff is extremely promising.

Sacramento is back in action on Thursday against the Golden State Warriors at 8:30 p.m.