Third quarter report
Down one at the end of the second quarter, the Lakers now have the lead. They have a bit of protection as they currently lead the Kings 110-98.
If the Lakers keep playing like this, they will increase their record to 18-13 in no time. On the other hand, the Kings will have to settle for a 13-19 record unless things turn around (and quickly).
Who is playing
Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Lakers
Current records: Sacramento 13-18, Los Angeles 17-13
How to watch
- When: Saturday December 28, 2024 at 10:30 pm ET
- Where: Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles, California
- TV: NBC Sports California
- Continue: CBS Sports App
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try it for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Ticket cost: $165.00
What to know
The Kings have enjoyed a five-game homestand, but will soon have to dust off their road jerseys. They will close out 2024 with a road trip to take on the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:30 pm ET on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena. After a loss in a game the Kings were expected to win, they now face the tougher task of proving themselves against unfavorable odds.
Last Thursday, the Kings lost 114-113 to the Pistons on a last-minute free throw by Jaden Ivey. The loss hurts even more as Sacramento was up 75-56 with 10:12 left in the third.
Meanwhile, the Lakers defeated the Warriors 115-113 on Wednesday thanks to a decisive layup by Austin Reaves with just one second left in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers’ success was led by the efforts of LeBron James, who had a double-double with 31 points and ten assists, and Reaves, who had a triple-double with 26 points, ten rebounds and ten assists. James’ night made it three games in a row in which he scored at least 30 points.
The Lakers worked as a unit and finished the game with 30 assists. The team has really been improving in that area: they have now improved their assist total in three consecutive matchups.
Sacramento dropped its record to 13-18 with the loss, which was its fifth straight at home. As for Los Angeles, they have been doing well recently, as they have won four of their last five games, which was a big increase from their 17-13 record this season.
The Kings fell short against the Lakers when the teams last played on Saturday, falling 103-99. Can the Kings avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We will know very soon.
Odd
Los Angeles is a slight 2.5-point favorite against Sacramento, at last report. NBA Odds.
Bettors had a good idea of the line for this one, as the game began with the Lakers as 2-point favorites.
The over/under is 222.5 points.
See NBA selections for every game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get Picks Now.
History of the series
Sacramento has won 6 of its last 10 games against Los Angeles.
- December 21, 2024 – Los Angeles 103 vs. Sacramento 99
- December 19, 2024: Los Angeles 113 vs. Sacramento 100
- October 26, 2024 – Los Angeles 131 vs. Sacramento 127
- March 13, 2024: Sacramento 120 vs. Los Angeles 107
- March 6, 2024: Sacramento 130 vs. Los Angeles 120
- November 15, 2023: Sacramento 125 vs. Los Angeles 110
- October 29, 2023: Sacramento 132 vs. Los Angeles 127
- January 18, 2023: Sacramento 116 vs. Los Angeles 111
- January 7, 2023 – Los Angeles 136 vs. Sacramento 134
- December 21, 2022: Sacramento 134 vs. Los Angeles 120
