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Monk’s Long-Range Brilliance Guides Kings Past Lakers as Doncic Posts 42 in Defeat

LeBron James tries to dribble past Precious Achiuwa

Key Takeaways:

  • Malik Monk scored 26 points, drilling seven 3-pointers, as Sacramento Kings defeated Los Angeles Lakers 124-112
  • Luka Doncic recorded 42 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, notching his seventh 40-point game this season
  • This was the Kings’ first home victory over the Lakers since 13 March 2024, and broke a three-game losing streak against Los Angeles

Match Overview

Malik Monk showcased his perimeter prowess on Monday night, converting seven shots from beyond the arc en route to a 26-point performance, as the Sacramento Kings claimed a 124-112 triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers.

DeMar DeRozan was instrumental for the Kings (10-30), providing 32 points and six assists, ensuring Sacramento registered a second consecutive win after enduring a seven-game losing streak. Russell Westbrook, who appeared in 78 games for the Lakers in 2023, contributed 22 points and seven assists for his new side.

This latest result signified Sacramento’s first success over the Lakers at home since 13 March 2024 and snapped a run of three losses against Los Angeles this season.

Lakers’ Key Performances

Luka Doncic led the charge for the Lakers with a commanding stat line of 42 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, marking his seventh 40-point outing of the campaign. He was ably supported by LeBron James, who tallied 22 points on 8-for-17 shooting, although James missed all five of his attempts from three-point range.

Elsewhere, DeAndre Ayton reached a personal milestone with 13 points, surpassing 7,000 career points in the process, while Jaxson Hayes chipped in with 12 points. The Lakers (23-11) have now dropped two straight contests following a preceding three-game win streak.

PlayerTeamPointsReboundsAssists
Malik MonkKings2618
DeMar DeRozanKings3226
Russell WestbrookKings2257
Luka DoncicLakers4278
LeBron JamesLakers2243
DeAndre AytonLakers13131
Jaxson HayesLakers1251

Game Progression

Despite gaining an early advantage, the Lakers were unable to contain an energetic Sacramento unit that never surrendered the lead over the last 38 minutes. Trailing by eight in the first quarter, the Kings responded forcefully, moving ahead 57-41 late in the second period after Monk converted his fifth three-pointer.

In the first half, James and Doncic combined for 38 of the Lakers’ 54 points to keep the visitors within reach. However, Sacramento seized control after the break with a 19-6 surge to start the third quarter, extending their margin to 20 points and consolidating their lead for a convincing win.

Though Los Angeles momentarily narrowed the deficit to 102-95 early in the fourth quarter, Monk’s timely three-pointer enabled Sacramento to pull away decisively.

Upcoming Fixtures

  • Lakers will host the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday
  • Kings are set to face the New York Knicks at home on Wednesday

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