Preview: Stockton Kings at South Bay Lakers

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (Interstat) — The surging Stockton Kings visit the South Bay Lakers in a Western Conference G League matchup Saturday at the UCLA Health Training Center.

The Kings (24-12) enter with the better record, having won seven of their last 10 games. They are coming off a 131-118 offensive showcase against Iowa on Wednesday, where DaQuan Jeffries scored 32 points and Jon Elmore added 30 points and nine assists. Stockton has dominated the season series, sweeping a two-game set from South Bay in December by scores of 112-99 and 110-98.

Jeffries, a 6-foot-5 forward, has been on a remarkable scoring run. Over his last eight games, he is averaging 28.1 points and 7.6 rebounds, including a 36-point performance earlier this month. He will be the primary focus for a South Bay defense looking to slow him down.

The Lakers (21-15) have also found a rhythm, winning four consecutive games, all on the road. They are led by guard Bronny James, who is averaging 16.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists during the winning streak. In the most recent win over Valley, James scored 21 points while backcourt mate Nick Smith Jr. contributed 24 points and six assists.

South Bay will aim to leverage its home court and recent momentum to reverse its fortunes against Stockton. The Lakers’ offense has been potent, scoring at least 113 points in each game during their streak.

The game features two of the G League’s more efficient offenses and could have playoff seeding implications as the regular season enters its final weeks. Stockton currently holds a three-game lead over South Bay in the standings.

Following this contest, the teams are scheduled to meet again at the same venue on March 24. Stockton continues a road trip Monday at Santa Cruz, while South Bay begins a three-game trip at Oklahoma City on March 4.