Luka Doncic's 42 points couldn't save the Lakers from a loss to the Kings, despite his best efforts. The Lakers star drove on Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan during the first half, but the Kings took control with a 20-point lead in the third quarter, winning 124-112 at Golden 1 Center. Luka Doncic scored 42 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, but his performance waned in the fourth quarter, scoring just two points. The Lakers closed the gap to seven points, but the Kings pulled away. DeMar DeRozan scored 32 points, and Russell Westbrook finished with 22 points and seven assists for the Kings (10-30), who shot 59% from the field and made 17 three-pointers. LeBron James, who scored 22 points, wore a patch on his jersey commemorating his 23rd NBA season, becoming the first player to play in 23 seasons. The patch, featuring a silhouette of his pregame chalk toss and three colored stripes representing the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Heat, will be removed and inserted into trading cards after each game. The Lakers started strong, with Deandre Ayton winning the jump ball and throwing a lob pass to James for a 2-0 lead. James hit his first four shots, but the Lakers fell behind 59-43 in the second quarter due to Malik Monk's 18 points off the bench. Monk finished with 26 points. LeBron James finished the first half with 12 points and the game with 22 points, shooting eight for 17. The Lakers will face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, with questions about LeBron James' availability after sitting out the second game of a back-to-back schedule last week. Rui Hachimura, who missed his seventh consecutive game due to right calf soreness, may return.
