Lakers defeat Kings 114-110 in preseason matchup

Los Angeles claimed a 114-110 victory over Sacramento on Thursday, marking the Lakers' second preseason win against the Kings. The team built an early lead, aided by a strong start from Luka Dončić, who opened the game with an and-one and finished with 23 points in 25 minutes. Austin Reaves returned to the lineup and contributed eight points, eight assists and six rebounds.

The Lakers established a 15-point advantage early in the second quarter after a 19-3 run fueled by three-point shooting from Dončić, Jake LaRavia, Reaves, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Matisse Thybulle. Bench player Mamu added 19 points, while LaRavia recorded 14 points, three rebounds and two assists. The teams combined for 50 turnovers, and the Kings forced 20 offensive rebounds, but Los Angeles compensated by drawing 38 free-throw attempts.

In the third quarter, the Lakers' lead fluctuated, with an 8-0 run by Sacramento cutting the deficit to five points before Los Angeles responded with scoring from LaRavia and Mamu to restore a double-digit lead. The fourth quarter saw the Lakers rotate a smaller lineup that included Bronny James, Adou Thiero, Grimes, LaRavia and Thybulle, later adding fresh players such as Chris Mañon and Jarred Vanderbilt. Sacramento narrowed the gap to four points with two minutes remaining, but Los Angeles secured the win with free-throw shooting in the final moments.

The Lakers will next face the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas on Tuesday at 7 p.m. PT.