Lakers Shine With out LeBron, Defeat Kings 132-122 – Los Angeles Sentinel

Sacramento Kings ahead Trey Lyles (41) and Los Angeles Lakers ahead Anthony Davis (3) grapple for a rebound tpkduring the primary half of an NBA basketball sport, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Picture/Mark J. Terrill)

Of their first sport since parting methods with head coach Mike Brown, the Sacramento Kings confronted one other setback by dropping to the Los Angeles Lakers 132-122.  Highlighting the progress of the Lakers this season, Lakers ahead Rui Hachimura commented on the turnaround.

“We misplaced all video games in opposition to them. So yeah, it’s payback. We’re extra collectively now, and our chemistry is approach higher than final yr,” Hachimura mentioned.

As of December 29, 2024, the Lakers have accomplished 31 video games within the 2024-2025 NBA season, holding an 18-13 report. This victory got here with out LeBron James, who was sidelined because of sickness. His absence marked his third missed sport this month, following earlier absences in opposition to Portland and Minnesota.

Lakers ahead Rui Hachimura contributed 21 factors and 4 rebounds in a robust efficiency final night time. (Picture credit score: Nathan J. Lee)

Regardless of the absence of their marquee participant, the Lakers leaned on standout performances from  heart Anthony Davis and guard Austin Reaves to safe the win. Though issues about his ankle lingered, Davis dismissed any doubt, declaring, “I used to be going to play. My ankle was nice.” Davis delivered a commanding 36 factors and 15 rebounds, whereas Reaves contributed 26 factors and a career-high 16 assists.

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“Guys had been flying round, chopping arduous, screening arduous, and doing what we had been purported to be doing,” Davis mentioned.

Their contributions had been pivotal in navigating a tightly contested first half and setting the tone for the remainder of the sport.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves scored 26 factors and recorded a career-high 16 assists. (Picture credit score: Nathan J. Lee)

The depth continued, with the sport tied at 54 late within the second quarter. With 3:50 remaining within the first half, Davis capitalized on consecutive fouls, sinking free throws to provide the Lakers a slim lead.

Because the Kings struggled offensively within the latter a part of the half, the Lakers discovered their rhythm and started to drag away. By the fourth quarter, their dominance was evident, emphasised by a 112-93 lead with 10:20 remaining.

“The primary and third quarters had been unhealthy for us. Giving up two 40-point quarters won’t ever enable you win a sport, however I feel the third and fourth quarters had been significantly better,” Kings guard De’Aaron Fox mentioned.

Lakers guard Dalton Knecht added 18 factors and a pair of rebounds to the staff’s victory. (Picture credit score: Nathan J. Lee)

Reaves emerged as a standout participant, contributing almost 1 / 4 of the full factors the Lakers made. His efficiency drew reward from followers, underscoring his rising significance to the staff.

“It’s by no means enjoyable to not have [James],” Reaves mentioned. “He creates a lot chaos and safety for us. However everyone is aware of they’ve obtained to step up and do one thing to assist us achieve success.”

This win, coming simply days earlier than James’ fortieth birthday, highlighted how the Lakers can carry out underneath stress and adapt to challenges. The depth and improved chemistry had been evident, displaying their potential for sustained success this season.

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