The latest Kings vs Lakers meeting delivered everything UK NBA fans expect from this historic rivalry, star power, momentum swings, and a clear lesson in team basketball.
The Sacramento Kings secured a 124–112 home win over the Los Angeles Lakers, led by a clinical shooting display from Malik Monk, whose seven three-pointers proved impossible to contain.
While Luka Dončić produced a sensational 42-point performance, the Lakers were undone by defensive lapses and a lack of consistent support beyond their headline names.
How did the Kings take control of the game?
Sacramento’s victory was built on patience and precision rather than an explosive start. The Kings initially fell eight points behind in the opening quarter, but their response was swift and controlled.
By the latter stages of the second quarter, they had turned the game on its head, moving into a 57–41 lead after Monk knocked down his fifth three-pointer of the night.
From that point onward, the Kings dictated both tempo and spacing. Remarkably, Sacramento did not trail at any stage during the final 38 minutes, highlighting just how effectively they managed the contest.
Why was Malik Monk the difference in the Kings vs. the Lakers?
Malik Monk delivered one of his most efficient shooting performances of the season, finishing with 26 points while repeatedly punishing the Lakers from beyond the arc.
Malik Monk tonight:
26 points
8 assists
9/15 FG
7/9 3P🔥🔥🔥 (via @realapp) pic.twitter.com/m486yKQr6k
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 13, 2026
His ability to score quickly off the catch forced Los Angeles to stretch their defence, opening lanes for teammates and disrupting their defensive rotations.
Every time the Lakers threatened to close the gap, Monk answered with a timely three-pointer, none more important than his late fourth-quarter shot that restored a comfortable lead and halted LA’s momentum.
Did Luka Dončić deserve a better outcome?
On an individual level, Luka Dončić was exceptional. The Lakers star recorded 42 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, marking his seventh 40-point game of the season and reinforcing his status as the NBA’s leading scorer.
However, the Kings’ balanced approach exposed the limits of relying too heavily on one player.
Dončić and LeBron James combined for 38 of the Lakers’ 54 first-half points, a statistic that underlines how little offensive help was available elsewhere.
Despite Dončić’s brilliance, Los Angeles never managed to regain control after falling behind before halftime.
What went wrong for the Lakers defensively?
Defence remains the key concern for the Lakers. After the break, Sacramento opened the third quarter with a decisive 19–6 scoring run, stretching their advantage to more than 20 points and effectively settling the contest.
LeBron James contributed 22 points on 8-of-17 shooting, but his struggles from long range, missing all five of his three-point attempts, limited the Lakers’ ability to respond.
Although the Los Angeles Lakers briefly cut the deficit to seven points early in the fourth quarter, they lacked the defensive solidity required to sustain a comeback.
Why does this win matter for Sacramento?
Beyond the scoreline, this result carried symbolic weight for the Kings. It was their first home victory against the Lakers since March 2024 and their second consecutive win following a difficult seven-game losing streak.
Precious Achiuwa’s block leads to Malik Monk sinking his FIFTH triple of the half 🔥
Kings up 7 at the break! pic.twitter.com/d6Oyl1jh1y
— NBA (@NBA) January 13, 2026
DeMar DeRozan led all scorers with 32 points and six assists. In comparison, Russell Westbrook added 22 points and seven assists, underlining the depth that allowed Sacramento to overpower LA even when Dončić was at his best.
What’s next after this Kings vs Lakers clash?
The Lakers remain in California and will look to respond quickly when they host the Atlanta Hawks, aiming to halt a two-game losing run.
Sacramento stay at home to face the New York Knicks, with renewed confidence and momentum.
