LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers halted a three-game slide on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, defeating the Sacramento Kings 125-101 at Crypto.com Arena behind 34 points from Luka Doncic and 24 from LeBron James.
After the game, Doncic said Los Angeles’ renewed energy was evident from the opening tip and must originate with the team’s stars. “I think our effort was very high starting the game like that; getting deflections, getting steals and being physical,” he told reporters. “It definitely starts with us … we need to show what we can do.”
Doncic entered the night mired in a shooting slump that coincided with the Lakers’ longest losing streak of the season. He broke out by hitting from deep, attacking the paint and finding teammates, helping Los Angeles build an early double-digit lead the Kings never erased.
James matched Doncic’s intensity, scoring 14 of his 24 points in the first half. The duo’s fast start allowed the rest of the roster to follow suit as the Lakers forced turnovers and pushed the pace to secure the lopsided victory.
Effort will remain crucial, Doncic noted, with Austin Reaves sidelined at least a month by a calf injury. “When AR is back, it’s going to be all three of us,” Doncic said. “For now it starts with us, and the group is going to follow.”
The Lakers, now 19-11, face another test on Tuesday when the Detroit Pistons visit Crypto.com Arena.
Source: LakersNation.com
