LA Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings: Division Rivals Clash at Golden 1 Center
Division rivals, the LA Lakers and Sacramento Kings, face off this Sunday at the Golden 1 Center for the first time this NBA season. Both teams have split their results after the opening two games, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.
LA Lakers Season So Far
The Lakers opened their season with a 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday but bounced back strongly against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday with a 128-110 victory.
Luka Doncic shone bright in that game, dropping a Lakers career-high 49 points along with 11 rebounds and eight assists, delivering a nearly perfect all-around performance. Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton also contributed excellent cameos. Reaves continued his push for an All-Star nod with 25 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists on 9-of-15 shooting. Hachimura added 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting, while Ayton posted 15 points and eight rebounds on 7-of-11 shooting.
Sacramento Kings Season So Far
The Kings stumbled in their opener with a narrow 120-116 loss to the Phoenix Suns after a late-game collapse. However, they avoided a repeat of that scenario on Friday against the Utah Jazz. Thanks to a clutch game-winner by Domantas Sabonis, the Kings secured a 105-104 victory.
Zach LaVine continued his impressive form with 31 points on 10-of-18 shooting. Malik Monk contributed 20 points off the bench, while Dennis Schroder added 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Injury Reports
LA Lakers Injury Report
- Luka Doncic: Out with a left finger injury and a left leg contusion.
- Jaxson Hayes: Out nursing an ankle injury; missed the last game.
- LeBron James: Out with sciatica, missing third straight game.
- Adou Thiero: Out with knee injury.
- Maxi Kleber: Out with oblique injury.
Sacramento Kings Injury Report
- Zach LaVine: Initially listed as questionable with an illness but has been upgraded to available.
- Nique Clifford: Out with a hamstring injury.
- Keegan Murray: Out with a thumb injury.
Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Charts – October 26
LA Lakers
With Luka Doncic sidelined, Marcus Smart is expected to step in and share the backcourt duties with Gabe Vincent. Austin Reaves will move to small forward, accompanied by the frontcourt duo of Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings are set to retain the same starting lineup from their last game. Dennis Schroder will start at point guard, with Zach LaVine at shooting guard. The frontcourt will feature DeMar DeRozan, Isaac Jones, and Domantas Sabonis.
Both teams are eager to seize the divisional bragging rights, and with momentum on the line, fans can expect a thrilling encounter at the Golden 1 Center.
