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2d ago

Lakers End Skid With 125-101 Rout as James, Dončić Lead and Redick Debuts Rotation Shift

Redick's reset followed Austin Reaves' calf injury.

Dec 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) dunks in the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is defended by Sacramento Kings guard Nique Clifford (5) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after a 3-point basket in the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Lakers snapped a three-game slide with a 125-101 win over the 8-24, short-handed Kings, improving to 20-10 and winning all four quarters for the first time this season.
  • Luka Dončić scored 34 points and LeBron James added 24 on 11-for-13 shooting, which ESPN identified as James’ most efficient game since joining the Lakers.
  • Two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. delivered 21 points off the bench, making his first seven shots and earning the game ball, with Redick indicating his minutes will expand in Reaves’ absence.
  • Austin Reaves is sidelined at least four weeks with a left-calf strain, and Marcus Smart filled the starting spot against Sacramento.
  • Following a candid team meeting and practice, Redick implemented a rotation tweak that shortens Dončić’s early stint to give other units more on-ball reps, a change he plans to keep for the foreseeable future.