Game Overview
In a disappointing performance on Monday night, the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Sacramento Kings with a score of 124-112 at the Golden 1 Center. Despite shining individually, Luka Doncic‘s impressive tally of 42 points, alongside eight assists and seven rebounds, was not enough to secure a win as he struggled in the critical moments of the game, managing only two points in the fourth quarter after appearing to slow due to an injury to his left thigh sustained earlier in the match.
Coaching Insights
Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick had expressed concerns prior to the game about the team potentially underestimating their opponents, the Kings, who entered the matchup with a dismal nine wins this season.
“We don’t look at any game as a walkover,”
Redick stated. Yet, on this night, the Kings established dominance, racing ahead by as much as 20 points in the third quarter.
Key Performers
DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with a stellar performance, scoring 32 points, while Russell Westbrook contributed significantly with 22 points and seven assists. Sacramento’s efficiency was notable, shooting an impressive 59% from the field and draining 17 three-pointers during the contest, a key factor in their victory.
LeBron James’ Milestone
LeBron James, who also scored 22 points, sported a commemorative patch on his jersey celebrating his 23rd NBA season in the very city where he began his illustrious career. The patch includes a design featuring his signature pregame chalk toss and stripes representing the three teams he has played for: the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Heat. This patch will be worn throughout the season and will be removed after each game for authentication before being placed into trading card packs by Topps.
Game Dynamics
The game had started promisingly for the Lakers, who took an early lead thanks to a lob pass from Deandre Ayton to James. However, the team quickly lost momentum, trailing 59-43 late in the second quarter, partly due to Malik Monk‘s explosive 26-point performance off the bench, shooting six-for-eight overall and five-for-six from beyond the arc. After a hot start, James ended the first half with only 12 points on five-for-twelve shooting, finishing the game eight-for-seventeen.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Lakers will face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday at the Crypto.com Arena. There are questions surrounding James’ participation, especially after he missed the second game of a back-to-back just last week. Coach Redick indicated they would assess his condition in the morning. Additionally, Rui Hachimura, who has been sidelined by calf soreness, might return to action, having been available for Monday’s game despite sitting out his seventh consecutive matchup.
