Lakers Snap Losing Streak: Luka Doncic and LeBron Power 125-101 Victory Over Kings
The Los Angeles Lakers finally found the spark they had been searching for on Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena. In a much needed bounce back performance, the superstar duo of Luka Doncic and LeBron James combined for a staggering 68 points to lead the Lakers to a 125-101 blowout victory over the Sacramento Kings. The win effectively ended a frustrating three game losing skid and provided a blueprint for how the Lakers can dominate even while missing key rotational pieces like Austin Reaves.
Coming off a disappointing Christmas Day loss to Houston, the atmosphere around the team was tense. Head coach JJ Redick reportedly held team meetings and an unusual Sunday morning shootaround to address defensive lapses. The preparation paid off, as Los Angeles shot an efficient 52.8 percent from the field and controlled the pace from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
Luka and LeBron: The Ultimate Synergy
Since the blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic to the Lakers in early 2025, fans have waited for the "perfect" game where the two generational playmakers clicked in unison. Sunday night was that game. Doncic was the primary engine, finishing with a game high 34 points, including five triples. He was particularly lethal in the second quarter, where he poured in 15 points to help the Lakers build a 68-53 lead by halftime.
LeBron James was equally impressive, displaying a level of efficiency that defies his age. James finished with 24 points on a remarkable 11 of 13 shooting performance. His night was highlighted by a thunderous alley oop slam off a lob from Deandre Ayton and a series of perimeter jumpers that kept the Kings' defense off balance. Although LeBron exited the game late in the fourth quarter with a minor lower back concern after a collision with DeMar DeRozan, the damage was already done.
The Rise of Nick Smith Jr.
With Austin Reaves sidelined for at least a month due to a strained left calf, the Lakers needed someone to step up into the scoring vacuum. Third year guard Nick Smith Jr. answered the call. Starting in place of Reaves, Smith provided an essential scoring punch, racking up 21 points off the bench.
His impact was felt most during a critical stretch in the first half where he scored 10 points in just eight minutes. Redick’s decision to trust the Arkansas product proved fruitful, as Smith’s ability to floor space allowed Doncic and James more room to operate in the paint. By the time the third quarter began, the Lakers used a 13-2 run fueled by threes from Doncic, James, and Rui Hachimura to stretch the lead to 26 points.
Kings Struggle to Find Rhythm
For the Sacramento Kings, the night was one to forget. Despite a solid 22-point effort from DeMar DeRozan and 16 points from Maxime Raynaud, the Kings could not sustain the defensive intensity required to stop the Lakers' transition game. Sacramento has struggled with consistency all season, having won consecutive games just once, and their defensive rotations were frequently late against the Lakers' ball movement.
The Kings also found themselves outmatched on the glass. Deandre Ayton and Jarred Vanderbilt controlled the boards, limiting Sacramento’s second chance opportunities. By the middle of the fourth quarter, both teams had cleared their benches, allowing players like Bronny James and Maxi Kleber to see floor time in the closing minutes of the blowout.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Recovery
This victory serves as a vital "get right" game for Los Angeles. After dropping four of their last six games all by double digits the Lakers needed to prove they could win decisively. The "staggered" rotation used by JJ Redick, which ensured that at least one of Doncic or James was on the floor at all times, solved many of the stagnant offensive periods that plagued the team during their losing streak.
The Lakers now shift their focus to Tuesday night, when they are set to host the Detroit Pistons. With Austin Reaves out, the continued development of Nick Smith Jr. and the health of LeBron James’ back will be the primary storylines to watch. If Doncic and James can continue to combine for nearly 70 points a night, the Lakers remain one of the most dangerous threats in the Western Conference.
The Kings, meanwhile, will head to Inglewood to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, hoping to find the defensive identity that has eluded them throughout the month of December.