Luka Dončić scores 34 points with 5 rebounds and 7 assists, LeBron James adds 24 points as Lakers dominate Kings to end 3-game losing streak.

On December 29th, in the NBA regular season, the Lakers secured a 125-101 victory over the Kings, ending their three-game skid. Dončić recorded 34 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals, with James adding 24 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals.

Game Progress

At the start of the first quarter, LeBron James showed hot form by hitting three consecutive shots, but DeRozan and Westbrook also responded with successful attempts. When Westbrook drove to the basket to score, the score was tied at 15-15. Dončić then nailed a three-pointer followed by two free throws, but the Kings quickly answered back to keep the game close. Toward the end of the quarter, James led the Lakers on a scoring run, finishing the first period with a 6-point lead. In the second quarter, the Kings launched a comeback attempt, but the Lakers countered with three-pointers from Smith, Vanderbilt, and Dončić. Dončić then scored 5 points both inside and outside the paint to extend the Lakers’ lead to double digits. Late in the quarter, the Kings fought hard to close the gap, but Dončić and Ayton helped the Lakers respond with another scoring surge. At halftime, the Lakers led 68-53, holding a 15-point advantage, with Dončić scoring 24 points and James contributing 12.

After the break, Dončić and James combined to score aggressively both inside and from outside, sparking a scoring run that quickly pushed the Lakers’ lead to 26 points. The Kings did not give up and launched another rally, at one point closing the gap significantly. However, Smith hit consecutive three-pointers to stabilize the Lakers and restore the 26-point margin. Near the end of the third quarter, the Kings went on a 9-2 run through three-pointers and fast-break layups to narrow the score again. After three quarters, the Lakers were ahead 99-80. In the final quarter, both teams exchanged baskets, with James completing a three-point play that gave the Lakers a 22-point lead. The Kings tried to mount another comeback, but the Lakers’ balanced offense maintained control. With the large lead and limited time left, the outcome was decided, and the Lakers comfortably defeated the Kings to end their losing streak.

Starting Lineups

Lakers: Dončić, James, Ayton, Hachimura, Smart

Kings: Westbrook, DeRozan, Achiuwa, Ellis, Raines