Lakers Look to Snap Three-Game Losing Streak vs. Kings
The Los Angeles Lakers (19-10) will play host to the Sacramento Kings (8-23) on Dec. 28,
Los Angeles is desperate to get back in the win column after dropping their last three. The Kings should be a team that the Lakers have a strong chance of beating, as Sacramento has been injury-riddled while carrying one of the worst records in all of the NBA on the road (3-13).
The main priority for the Lakers in the contest is finding their offensive rhythm once again. Over their three-game skid, Los Angeles is averaging just 97.3 points per game. Not having Austin Reaves once again will be a problem, but the team has plenty of firepower with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and the rest of the team.
Deandre Ayton getting back on track
The Lakers are going to need Deandre Ayton to find his groove once again. Since coming back from his two-game absence while dealing with an elbow injury, Ayton scored just 12 points on Dec. 23 vs. the Phoenix Suns and followed that up with a 10-point game in the Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets.
JJ Redick comments
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has expressed his frustrations in recent games, mentioning that the team is lacking consistency. This has resulted in a lack of momentum over the past few games.
JJ Redick: “Guys will say they want to win. The care factor, to me is like, “do I care enough to actually do what I’m supposed to do and just do it consistently.’ And that’s really what the championship habits are. And that’s what we don’t have right now.” pic.twitter.com/6MgRDiOe3W
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) December 26, 2025
Austin Reaves status
Emerging superstar Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a new injury that will keep him out for an extended period of time.
In his second game back from a mid-level calf sprain, Reaves re-aggravated the same injury. The third part of the Lakers’ big three will have to sit out for at least another four weeks while letting the setback heal, senior NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Friday.
This isn’t ideal for the Lakers, as they will be missing the 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists that Reaves has averaged this season.
Los Angeles will also be without C Jaxson Hayes (ankle) and G Gabe Vincent (back) for the contest.
Lakers vs. Kings history
The Lakers have won each of their past five contests against the Kings, dating back to October 26, 2024.
In the California rivalry’s first matchup of the 2025-26 season, the Lakers beat the Kings with a final score of 127-120.
Sunday’s matchup will be one that they need in order to stay in the mix in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles is now the No. 5 seed in the West. A win tonight can break the tiebreaker they have with the Houston Rockets and go to No. 4.
