After enduring a rocky stretch that saw them drop four of their last six games, including a stinging 23-point defeat to Houston on Christmas Day, the Los Angeles Lakers finally found their rhythm in a resounding 125-101 win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena. The victory not only snapped the Lakers’ three-game losing streak but also showcased the squad’s depth and determination, with Luka Doncic and LeBron James leading the charge in spectacular fashion.
LeBron James, in what ESPN Insights dubbed his most efficient game as a Laker, poured in 24 points on a sizzling 11-for-13 shooting, including making his first three shots in the opening three minutes. That 84.6% field-goal percentage stands as the third-best of his remarkable 23-year career. "I just felt in a really good rhythm tonight," James told reporters after the game. "Had a good spring to my step, to my bounce and just tried to make the most out of my touches."
James’ hot start set the tone, but it was Luka Doncic who took over in the second quarter, tallying 15 of his game-high 34 points in that frame alone. Doncic finished the night shooting 5-for-7 in the second quarter, helping the Lakers build a commanding 68-53 halftime lead. "I think it definitely starts with us," Doncic said, referencing the leadership role he and James have assumed in the absence of Austin Reaves. "And when AR is back, it's going to be all three of us. But now, it starts with us. We need to show what we can do and if we are going to do it, we both are going to do it. The group is going to follow."
Reaves, sidelined for at least four weeks due to a strained left calf, was certainly missed, but the Lakers’ supporting cast stepped up in his absence. Nick Smith Jr., signed to a two-way contract, delivered a breakout performance off the bench, scoring 21 points in 24 minutes. Impressively, Smith went a perfect 7-for-7 to start the game and contributed 10 points in just eight first-half minutes, making all four of his shots during that span. His effort was rewarded postgame, as teammates presented him with the game ball. "In this league, you got to have confidence. If you don't, they'll go out there and see it right away," Smith remarked. "I feel like I can hoop with the best of them."
The Lakers’ resurgence didn’t happen by accident. After Thursday’s lackluster 119-96 loss to Houston, the team convened for a candid meeting on Saturday, followed by a rare and lengthy practice that head coach JJ Redick described as an "idea exchange" between players and coaches. Redick, who has emphasized collective accountability, saw his message resonate as the Lakers not only responded with a complete effort but also won all four quarters for the first time this season. "I'm not surprised at the way those two guys played together tonight, because yesterday was one of the best practices we've had with the two of them playing together and just sharing the basketball and playing two-man action," Redick commented, referencing James and Doncic. He also praised the team’s defensive focus, particularly during a pivotal 13-2 run to open the third quarter. "There were a couple possessions in that 13-2 run where we just started with a five-guys-guarding mentality, and that's really what we're after. We really just want five guys at all times, on every possession, engaged. That's sort of the North Star of how we try to build a good defense."
That run, fueled by three-pointers from Doncic, Rui Hachimura, and James, ballooned the Lakers’ lead to 26 points and effectively put the game out of reach for Sacramento. The Kings, who have struggled to string together consecutive victories all season, simply couldn’t match the Lakers’ energy. DeMar DeRozan led Sacramento with 22 points, while Maxime Raynaud added 16. In a testament to their balance, the Kings had six players finish in double figures, but their defensive lapses allowed Los Angeles to shoot a blistering 52.8% from the floor.
The Lakers’ depth was on full display. Rui Hachimura chipped in 12 points on 5-for-10 shooting, a welcome sign after limited shot attempts in recent games. Deandre Ayton notched a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, providing much-needed muscle in the paint. Jake LaRavia made his presence felt off the bench as well, contributing 11 points, four assists, and two steals. "We came together, talked about some things," LaRavia said, reflecting on the team’s recent struggles and newfound cohesion. "And if we play like this every night, this is what I talk about when we say, we're a tough team to beat."
For the Kings, the loss was another setback in a season marked by inconsistency. Despite flashes of improved defense in recent games, Sacramento was unable to contain the Lakers’ multi-pronged attack. The Kings will have another chance to regroup when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night, hoping to find some stability as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, the Lakers will look to build on this momentum when they host the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. With James preparing to celebrate his 41st birthday, the veteran star continues to defy Father Time. In 56 regular-season games spanning the end of last season and the start of this one, James has averaged a robust 23.9 points on 52% shooting, along with 7.4 assists and 7.1 rebounds. Reflecting on his longevity, James quipped, "[Remember] when I did the Father Time commercial thing [for Nike]? I'm in a battle with him. And I would like to say that I'm kicking his ass on the back nine."
This win, marked by standout performances and a renewed sense of purpose, could be just what the Lakers need to turn their season around. With key contributors stepping up and the team clicking on both ends of the floor, fans in Los Angeles have reason to believe that better days are ahead. As the Lakers prepare for their next challenge, all eyes will be on how they carry this momentum forward into the new year.
