As is often the case, the Lakers started the match poorly, quickly falling ten, then twenty points behind. Domantas Sabonis is the control tower for the Kings, who hit effectively from distance. And after twelve minutes, Los Angeles is already on the ropes (25-38).
There is a response from LeBron James and his gang, who go 15-1 in three minutes. And as always, when the star (who finishes in triple-double) is on the floor, the Lakers manage to resist the Kings, especially with such a skillful D’Angelo Russell. But Sacramento held on until the break (59-72). Mike Brown’s troops even hit the nail on the head in the third quarter (80-104).
Despite the gap, Darvin Ham launched his starters at the start of the last quarter. The Lakers, like the match in Phoenix, go up a notch in defense.
They steal balls and go 10-0. A few moments later, it’s a 12-2 which allows us to get closer. However, the Kings are solid and the Los Angeles players are too short. Logical victory for the Kings, 110-125.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Lakers diesel mode. It was a typical match for the Californians version 2023/24. We start (too) slowly and end (very) strongly. Except that with 24 points behind to make up in twelve minutes, the Lakers, even if their collective effort is worth highlighting, were starting too far. Especially against an attack like that of Sacramento, which always manages to find the path to the basket, even in tough conditions.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Domantas Sabonis. He radiated without being flashy. The interior organized his team’s play, helped by a leggy De’Aaron Fox. He finished with 29 points on 13/19 shooting, 16 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 interceptions. He dominated the debates inside, facing an uninspired Anthony Davis.
⛔️ Anthony Davis. The Lithuanian’s performance shines even more when compared with the Los Angeles star. The 2020 champion did the job on defense, with his 9 rebounds and 4 blocks. On the other hand, offensively, he was non-existent with 9 points at 3/9 shooting and 5 lost balls… Did he play injured? In any case, we did not recognize the Anthony Davis from the match against Portland for example, and against Sacramento, it is insufficient.
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
