The NBA world is buzzing after the Sacramento Kings handed the Los Angeles Lakers their third straight loss, but it’s not just the outcome that’s turning heads—it’s how they did it. DeMar DeRozan’s 32-point masterclass was the headline, but the real story? A Kings team firing on all cylinders, sinking a jaw-dropping 65.4% from three-point range. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t just DeRozan. Malik Monk’s season-best 26 points and Russell Westbrook’s clutch treys turned this into a statement win for Sacramento, snapping a six-game losing streak against the Lakers. But here’s where it gets controversial: Luka Doncic dropped 42 points, yet the Lakers still crumbled. Is this a sign of deeper issues in LA, or just a bad night? Let’s dive in.
On January 12, 2026, the Golden 1 Center erupted as the Kings dominated the Lakers 124-112. DeRozan’s 32 points and six assists were the highlight reel, but Monk’s 7-of-9 shooting from deep stole the show. Westbrook added 22 points, and Zach LaVine chipped in 19, showcasing a balanced attack that the Lakers couldn’t match. Meanwhile, Doncic’s heroics—42 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds—weren’t enough to keep LA afloat. LeBron James’ 22 points felt like a footnote as the Lakers trailed from the second quarter onward.
The Kings’ third-quarter surge was the game’s turning point. An 18-5 run, capped by Westbrook’s three-pointer, gave Sacramento a 20-point lead. Though the Lakers trimmed it to eight late in the fourth, DeRozan and Monk’s back-to-back threes sealed the deal. By the time Doncic and James were pulled, the outcome was clear: the Kings were back in business.
But let’s not bury the lede—this wasn’t just a win for Sacramento; it was a redemption story. Coming off a seven-game losing streak, the Kings had won two straight, proving they’re far from out of the playoff race. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ struggles continue, dropping their seventh game in 11. Is this a temporary slump, or a sign of systemic issues? And what about Dennis Schroder’s suspension for allegedly targeting Doncic? The drama off the court adds another layer to this already complex narrative.
Here’s a thought to chew on: The Lakers shot 48.8% from the field but a dismal 22.2% from three. The Kings, meanwhile, shot 58.5% overall and lit it up from deep. Does this highlight LA’s over-reliance on star power, or is it just a bad shooting night? Let us know in the comments—is this the beginning of the end for the Lakers, or just a bump in the road? One thing’s for sure: the Kings are no longer the pushovers of seasons past, and the NBA landscape is shifting. Buckle up, folks—this season just got a whole lot more interesting.
