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Preview: Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings

Lakers forward Ryan Kelly drives against Kings forward Omri Casspi during the first half on Monday.

Lakers forward Ryan Kelly drives against Kings forward Omri Casspi during the first half on Monday.

(Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)
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The 2014-15 season finally ends Wednesday for the Lakers (21-60) as they host the Sacramento Kings (28-53) at Staples Center.

Neither team will make the playoffs. Both have a long list of injured players.

The Lakers’ Jeremy Lin (knee), Wayne Ellington (shoulder), Nick Young (knee), Ronnie Price (elbow), Kobe Bryant (shoulder) and Julius Randle (knee) are all done for the season. Wesley Johnson (ankle) is doubtful.

The Kings have shut down DeMarcus Cousins (foot) and Rudy Gay (concussion), while Darren Collison (hip), Reggie Evans (thumb) and Eric Moreland (shoulder) are also out.

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Key matchup

The Kings defeated the Lakers in Sacramento on Monday, when Sacramento was led by Omri Casspi’s 26 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

The Lakers will need to a better job of containing the Israeli forward.

Ryan Kelly will presumably start again, out of position at small forward, against Casspi. Kelly had a difficult night Monday, scoring just three points on one-of-six shooting.

With so many injuries, either Jabari Brown or Vander Blue will back up Kelly at the three -- presuming Johnson isn’t back from his ankle sprain.

X-factor

Jordan Clarkson gave another strong performance, scoring 23 points with six assists and five steals against the Kings. Late in the game he tweaked his ankle, but he’s not on the Lakers’ injury report.

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The Kings start Ray McCallum at the point. He scored 12 points with three assists in the previous meeting.

Sacramento also got a big night from Derrick Williams (20 points). Carl Landry added 14. The Lakers’ forwards need to do a better job against the Kings’ to get a win.

Outlook

The most important outcome of Wednesday’s game is getting through the finale without injury. The Kings are playing a short roster, but not as short as the Lakers’.

Put the Lakers down for the worst season in franchise history with another loss.

Email Eric Pincus at Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

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