Kings' Trey Lyles Emerges As Frontcourt Anchor In 20-Point Performance

Kings have exercised Trey Lyles’ team option for 2022-23 season

Trey Lyles Emerges As Kings' Unlikely Frontcourt Anchor

A Long and Winding Road to Sacramento

A journeyman forward who has bounced around the league since being drafted 12th overall by the Utah Jazz in 2015, Trey Lyles has finally found a home in Sacramento. After stints with the Jazz, Nuggets, Spurs, and Pistons, Lyles signed a two-year deal with the Kings in the summer of 2022.

While he began the season in a reserve role, Lyles has seized the opportunity to start in place of the injured Domantas Sabonis and has emerged as a key contributor for the playoff-bound Kings.

Frontcourt Force

Lyles has averaged 12.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game this season, but his impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He provides the Kings with a much-needed physical presence in the frontcourt, setting hard screens, battling for rebounds, and making hustle plays.

In a recent 20-point performance against the Los Angeles Clippers, Lyles showcased his versatility, hitting 3-pointers, attacking the rim, and defending multiple positions. His ability to stretch the floor and create his own shot makes him a valuable weapon for a Kings team that often relies on De'Aaron Fox and Sabonis to generate offense.

A Newfound Confidence

Lyles' emergence has not only been a boon for the Kings but also for the player himself. After years of being a bit of an afterthought, he has finally found a place where he feels valued and trusted.

“I think I've always had it in me,” Lyles said after his 20-point outing against the Clippers. “It's just about having that confidence and that belief from the coaching staff and the organization. I'm just trying to make the most of it.”

Filling the Sabonis Void

With Sabonis sidelined for an extended period, the Kings needed someone to step up and fill the void in the frontcourt. Lyles has done that and more, proving that he is more than capable of being a starting-caliber big man in the NBA.

“Trey's been huge for us,” Kings coach Mike Brown said. “He's a guy that's willing to do whatever it takes to win. He's a great teammate, a great locker room guy, and he's just a really good basketball player.”

A Bright Future in Sacramento

Lyles' emergence has been a major storyline for the Kings this season, and it is a development that could have long-term implications for the franchise. With Sabonis expected to return at some point, the Kings will have a tough decision to make regarding their frontcourt rotation.

However, given Lyles' strong play, it is hard to imagine him going back to a reserve role. He has proven that he is a valuable asset, and the Kings would be wise to keep him in the starting lineup alongside Sabonis.

With Lyles and Sabonis anchoring the frontcourt, the Kings have the potential to be a formidable team in the Western Conference for years to come.

Conclusion

Trey Lyles' journey to becoming the Kings' starting power forward has been a long and winding one. After years of being a bit of a journeyman, he has finally found a home in Sacramento. Lyles has seized the opportunity to start and has emerged as a key contributor for the playoff-bound Kings. He provides the team with a much-needed physical presence in the frontcourt and is capable of stretching the floor and creating his own shot. With Lyles and Sabonis anchoring the frontcourt, the Kings have the potential to be a formidable team in the Western Conference for years to come.