Image Source: Marcus D. Smith
Key Takeaways
- The Sacramento Kings won back-to-back games for the first time since November, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 124-112.
- DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 32 points, while Malik Monk added 26 points and eight assists off the bench.
- Luka Doncic had a game-high 42 points for the Lakers, with LeBron James adding 22 points.
- The Kings’ victory was fueled by Monk’s 18-point second quarter, which included five made 3-point field goals.
- The team’s win marked a significant milestone, as they looked to build momentum and climb the ranks in the NBA.
Introduction to the Game
The Sacramento Kings faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, January 12, at the Golden 1 Center, resulting in a 124-112 victory for the Kings. As the final buzzer sounded, Kings fans chanted "light the beam" as they watched the Lakers’ fans exit the arena early. This win marked the first time the Kings had won back-to-back games since November, a significant milestone for the team. As DeMar DeRozan, the Kings’ veteran guard, said, "I want to play 48 minutes a night, man, always. Whether I’m out there or not, I’m always going to bring energy, I’m always going to smile and always teach the young guys. It doesn’t matter what’s going on."
The Kings’ Victory
The Kings were led by DeRozan, who scored 32 points on 14-of-19 shooting. Monk, who came off the bench, had 26 points and eight assists in 31 minutes, with 18 points scored in the second quarter alone. As Monk noted, his playing time had increased following the three-game suspension of Dennis Schroder, and he was determined to make the most of it. Russell Westbrook added 22 points and seven assists, while Zach LaVine scored 19 points. The Lakers, on the other hand, were led by Luka Doncic, who had a game-high 42 points, with 26 of those points scored in the first half. As Doncic said, "I play the same way every night. But I do enjoy beating teams that I was formerly at for different reasons. Tonight was a different reason, Houston was a different reason. I definitely enjoy taking care of business against them."
The Game’s Turning Point
The game’s turning point came in the second quarter, when Monk scored 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including five made 3-point field goals. This surge in scoring helped the Kings build a significant lead, with Monk getting the team up by 12 points with under seven minutes left in the first half. The Lakers cut into the lead before halftime, but the Kings maintained a 61-54 lead at the break. As the game progressed, the Kings continued to build on their lead, with Westbrook and DeRozan providing steady scoring throughout the third quarter. Doncic scored 14 points in the third quarter to keep the Kings from running away with the game, but ultimately, the Lakers were unable to overcome the deficit.
The Final Quarter
In the final quarter, the Lakers looked to make a push, cutting their deficit to within 10 points early on. However, the Kings kept their foot on the gas, with Monk continuing to score and make plays for others. DeRozan’s timely buckets, including his silky midrange jumper, helped the Kings maintain their lead. As the game came to a close, the Kings emerged victorious, winning 124-112. The team’s victory marked a significant milestone, as they looked to build momentum and climb the ranks in the NBA. As the Kings’ coach noted, "This win is a big step forward for us. We’ve been working hard to build our team chemistry, and it’s starting to pay off."
The Kings’ Schedule
The Kings’ schedule for the upcoming week includes games against the New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors. As the team looks to continue their winning streak, they will face stiff competition from these teams. However, with their newfound momentum and team chemistry, the Kings are poised to make a significant impact in the NBA. As DeRozan said, "We’re feeling good right now. We’re playing well, and we’re confident in our abilities. We’re looking forward to the challenges ahead and are ready to take on whatever comes our way."
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2026/01/13/kings-defeat-lakers-despite-luka-scoring-42/88154132007/