Lakers edged by Kings 117-116 in preseason finale
lakers-edged-by-kings-preseason-finale-2025
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up their six-game preseason schedule with a 117-116 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, Oct. 17, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena.
Head coach JJ Redick deployed what is expected to be his Opening Night lineup: Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton. The group opened quickly, yet defensive lapses allowed Sacramento to claim a 36-34 edge after one quarter.
Vincent and Doncic sparked a second-period surge with consecutive three-pointers, helping the Lakers finish the half 9-for-20 from deep and up 61-58 at intermission. Los Angeles announced at halftime that reserve center Jaxson Hayes would not return because of a right wrist contusion.
Doncic pushed the margin to double figures early in the third, but Kings guards Zach LaVine, Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder trimmed the deficit to 90-86 entering the fourth.
Redick kept his starters on the floor to begin the final period, and Doncic continued to score at will. The forward/guard finished with 31 points, five rebounds and nine assists in 32 minutes. Even so, Sacramento regained the lead in the closing minute when Los Angeles failed to secure multiple defensive rebounds.
With 10.8 seconds remaining and the Lakers down 116-113, rookie Dalton Knecht nailed a corner three to tie the game. On the ensuing possession, Nick Smith Jr. fouled Isaac Jones, who converted the go-ahead free throw with 0.8 seconds left. Los Angeles could not get a shot off before the horn.
What’s next
The Lakers open the regular season Tuesday when they host the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena.
Source: LakersNation.com
