Huge Austin Reaves game exposes porous Kings defense

On one Reaves triple, Devin Carter simply didn't run out to challenge him a few feet behind the line and the Lakers guard calmly sank the shot.

Reaves shot 22 free throws in part due to the Kings scrambling on simple rotations. The Kings fouled on two three-point attempts in three possessions during the first quarter, both with out-of-position defenders reaching. 

They also regularly fouled after turnovers and on offensive rebounds 90 feet from their own basket, helping the Lakers get into the foul penalty with 3:18 left in the second quarter. With Keegan Murray recovering from thumb surgery, the Kings really only have two plus defenders in Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder — and at 6-foot-1, Schroder has a limited impact.

Sacramento Kings roster may be incompatible with a good defense

There aren't a lot of internal solutions for the Kings on defense. Backup center Drew Eubanks can block shots, rejecting four shots in the season opener with Sabonis sidelined. But he can't play alongside Sabonis since neither regularly shoots from outside. The small Kings lineups have been out-rebounded in every game, losing the battle of the boards 148-110 overall.

The Kings should seriously consider making DeRozan the sixth man when Murray returns and keeping Ellis in the starting lineup, which would give the starters a chance on defense. Malik Monk is a poor defender, but at least he's fast, in contrast to many of his teammates. Even after he had 18 points, six rebounds and six assists on Sunday, it's hard to see Russell Westbrook as a long-term solution, especially since he turns 37 in two weeks.

It's not getting easier anytime soon. In the next two weeks, the Kings play the high-scoring Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder — twice.

The Kings need to dramatically improve their defense. They may not have the personnel to do it.