The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves on a two-game losing streak heading into the All-Star break after suffering a tough loss to the Sacramento Kings Wednesday night. The Lakers nearly beat the Kings despite playing without LeBron James and Anthony Davis, getting a big game from Kyle Kuzma in a 123-120 defeat.

Kuzma put up a double-double with 25 points and 13 rebounds, but he apparently had to run to the arena due to an inconclusive COVID-19 test. For that reason, Kuzma nearly missed the game as well:

The Lakers had a late lead, only to falter in the final minute. Kuzma had one last chance to send the game to overtime with a 3-pointer, but he missed.

Although the Lakers are experiencing a rough patch right now, they should still be considered the team to beat in the West. Once AD and LeBron come back, the roster goes from mediocre to one of the best in the league instantly.

Kuzma touched on that idea after the loss to the Kings. A healthy Lakers team likely would not lose to this bad Sacramento team:

The Lakers will be back to full potential once Davis returns from his extended absence after the All-Star break. All this organization needs to do is make the playoffs. Even without Davis, that's something this organization is capable of doing right now.

Los Angeles is surely happy to have this break to recharge the batteries and get ready for a second-half surge. The Lakers will be back in action next Friday against the Indiana Pacers.