LOS ANGELES -- There is no consensus among the Kings regarding the importance of tonight's game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Some say the teams' first meeting this season is a biggie. Some say it's just another regular-season game in November and that the Kings' fate won't be determined for months.

Yes, the two-time defending champion Lakers (7-1) have beaten the Kings (7-2) in the playoffs in each of the past two seasons.