In their first game since parting ways with head coach Mike Brown, the Sacramento Kings faced another setback by losing to the Los Angeles Lakers 132-122. Highlighting the progress of the Lakers this season, Lakers forward Rui Hachimura commented on the turnaround.
“We lost all games against them. So yeah, it’s payback. We are more together now, and our chemistry is way better than last year,” Hachimura said.
As of December 29, 2024, the Lakers have completed 31 games in the 2024-2025 NBA season, holding an 18-13 record. This victory came without LeBron James, who was sidelined due to illness. His absence marked his third missed game this month, following earlier absences against Portland and Minnesota.
Despite the absence of their marquee player, the Lakers leaned on standout performances from center Anthony Davis and guard Austin Reaves to secure the win. Although concerns about his ankle lingered, Davis dismissed any doubt, declaring, “I was going to play. My ankle was fine.” Davis delivered a commanding 36 points and 15 rebounds, while Reaves contributed 26 points and a career-high 16 assists.
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“Guys were flying around, cutting hard, screening hard, and doing what we were supposed to be doing,” Davis said.
Their contributions were pivotal in navigating a tightly contested first half and setting the tone for the rest of the game.
The intensity continued, with the game tied at 54 late in the second quarter. With 3:50 remaining in the first half, Davis capitalized on consecutive fouls, sinking free throws to give the Lakers a narrow lead.
As the Kings struggled offensively in the latter part of the half, the Lakers found their rhythm and began to pull away. By the fourth quarter, their dominance was evident, emphasized by a 112-93 lead with 10:20 remaining.
“The first and third quarters were bad for us. Giving up two 40-point quarters will never help you win a game, but I think the third and fourth quarters were much better,” Kings guard De’Aaron Fox said.
Reaves emerged as a standout player, contributing nearly a quarter of the total points the Lakers made. His performance drew praise from fans, underscoring his growing importance to the team.
“It’s never fun to not have [James],” Reaves said. “He creates so much chaos and security for us. But everybody knows they’ve got to step up and do something to help us be successful.”
This win, coming just days before James’ 40th birthday, highlighted how the Lakers can perform under pressure and adapt to challenges. The depth and improved chemistry were evident, displaying their potential for sustained success this season.
