Lakers end three-game skid with 124–101 win over Kings behind Luka Dončić, LeBron James
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Dec 30, 2025, 02:39 IST
The Los Angeles Lakers ended a three-game losing streak with a 124–101 win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. Luka Dončić led the way with 34 points, while LeBron James added 24 in his return from injury. The Lakers shot 52.8% from the field and controlled the game after a team meeting, improving to 8–5 since James’ return.
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings by securing a 124-101 win and ending their three-game losing streak on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The victory came after a tough week for the team; the Lakers suffered three heavy losses, including the loss to the Houston Rockets at home on Christmas Day.
The Lakers had a longer practice session and a team meeting before the game against the Kings.
Speaking to the reporters on Saturday, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said, "We had a great meeting as a staff this morning," he continued, "Came in super early and we met with the players, and it was very positive, and it was also listening. It was also for our staff, myself, to listen to the players and what they need."
The Lakers responded well after the meeting, showing better effort and energy on both ends of the floor. Luka Doncic led the Lakers in scoring with 34 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. 23-year veteran LeBron James, who recently returned from a sciatica injury, added 24 points. The Lakers have improved to 8–5 since his return. Nick Smith Jr. played a key role in the victory by contributing 24 points off the bench in 23 minutes of playing time.
The Lakers played without Austin Reeves, who suffered a calf injury on Christmas Day and will be out for at least a month.
The Sacramento Kings, who had won just two consecutive games this season, had six of their players scoring in double figures. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 22 points while Maxime Raynaud added 16 points.
The Lakers shot 52.8% from the floor while the Kings failed to guard them and struggled defensively, unlike their last four games.
The Lakers are set to host the Pistons on Tuesday and will look to build on this performance, while the Kings visit California on Tuesday for the game against the Clippers.
The victory came after a tough week for the team; the Lakers suffered three heavy losses, including the loss to the Houston Rockets at home on Christmas Day.
The Lakers had a longer practice session and a team meeting before the game against the Kings.
Speaking to the reporters on Saturday, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said, "We had a great meeting as a staff this morning," he continued, "Came in super early and we met with the players, and it was very positive, and it was also listening. It was also for our staff, myself, to listen to the players and what they need."
The Lakers responded well after the meeting, showing better effort and energy on both ends of the floor. Luka Doncic led the Lakers in scoring with 34 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. 23-year veteran LeBron James, who recently returned from a sciatica injury, added 24 points. The Lakers have improved to 8–5 since his return. Nick Smith Jr. played a key role in the victory by contributing 24 points off the bench in 23 minutes of playing time.
The Lakers played without Austin Reeves, who suffered a calf injury on Christmas Day and will be out for at least a month.
The Sacramento Kings, who had won just two consecutive games this season, had six of their players scoring in double figures. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 22 points while Maxime Raynaud added 16 points.
The Lakers shot 52.8% from the floor while the Kings failed to guard them and struggled defensively, unlike their last four games.
The Lakers are set to host the Pistons on Tuesday and will look to build on this performance, while the Kings visit California on Tuesday for the game against the Clippers.