The Sacramento Kings finally exorcised their Los Angeles Lakers demons, securing a convincing 124-112 victory on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 (Philippine Time). This marked their first win against the Lakers since March 13, 2024, snapping a prolonged period of frustration against the Western Conference powerhouse.
Monk's Three-Point Barrage Ignites Kings Offense
The Kings' triumph was fueled by a blistering offensive display, spearheaded by guard Malik Monk. Monk caught fire from beyond the arc, draining seven three-pointers on his way to a total of 26 points. His shooting provided the crucial spark, particularly in a dominant second quarter where the Kings built a commanding lead.
He was ably supported by veteran star DeMar DeRozan, who led all Kings scorers with 32 points. Former Laker Russell Westbrook added 22 points against his old team, while Zach LaVine contributed 19 points. This collective effort handed the Kings only their 10th win in 40 games this season, but more importantly, it delivered their second consecutive victory after suffering through a painful seven-game losing streak.
Lakers' Star Power Not Enough Against Kings' Surge
The Lakers, sitting fifth in the Western Conference with a 23-14 record, started strong and appeared to take early control of the game. However, their firepower, led by the league's current scoring leader Luka Doncic, was ultimately overwhelmed. Doncic put up a spectacular 42-point performance, marking his seventh 40-point game of the 2025-26 season.
Despite Doncic's heroics and 22 points from four-time MVP LeBron James, the Lakers had no answer for the Kings' sustained attack. After the Kings' early run was halted, they unleashed a torrid offensive stretch, closing the first half with a 57-41 advantage following Monk's fifth three-pointer of the night.
Kings Seize Control and Never Look Back
Any hopes of a Lakers comeback were extinguished early in the third quarter. Sacramento opened the second half with a devastating 19-6 run, seizing complete control of the game's tempo and momentum. The Lakers, unable to mount a significant response, were left trailing for the remainder of the contest.
Other contributors for the Lakers included DeAndre Ayton with 13 points and Jaxson Hayes with 12 points. The Kings' defense, however, managed to contain the rest of the supporting cast, ensuring their high-scoring offense was enough to secure a memorable and long-awaited win against a top-tier opponent.
