On January 12, 2026, the Sacramento Kings secured a 124-112 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, marking their first home win against the Lakers since March 13, 2024. Malik Monk's exceptional performance, including seven 3-pointers and 26 points, was pivotal in the Kings' triumph. DeMar DeRozan contributed 32 points and six assists, while Russell Westbrook added 22 points and seven assists. The Kings' recent struggles were evident as they snapped a seven-game losing streak with their second consecutive win. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 42 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, achieving his seventh 40-point game of the season as the NBA's top scorer. LeBron James, despite 22 points, struggled from beyond the arc, missing all five 3-point attempts. DeAndre Ayton reached a career milestone, scoring 13 points to surpass 7,000 points. The Lakers, however, faced a challenging night, losing their two-game winning streak after winning three in a row. The Kings' resilience was evident as they overcame an early eight-point deficit, taking control in the second quarter with Monk's five 3-pointers. The third quarter saw the Kings extend their lead with a dominant 19-6 run, ultimately securing a commanding 20-point lead. Despite the Lakers' efforts to close the gap in the fourth quarter, the Kings maintained their lead, with Monk's 3-pointer proving decisive. The Kings' upcoming schedule includes a home game against the New York Knicks, while the Lakers will host the Atlanta Hawks. The AP NBA coverage provides further insights into this thrilling match.
