The Lakers' preseason finale against the Kings ended in a heart-stopping loss, leaving fans with a mix of emotions. Despite a strong showing, the Lakers fell just short, with the Kings edging them out 117-116.
Luka Dončić, as always, put on a show, finishing with an impressive 31 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists. Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura also contributed significantly, with 14 and 18 points respectively. However, Austin Reaves had an off night, managing only 8 points, while Deandre Ayton had a solid performance with 12 points and 9 rebounds.
But here's where it gets interesting...
Marcus Smart, the new addition to the Lakers, had a breakout game. He scored 14 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, dished out 2 assists, and showed off his defensive prowess with 4 steals. Smart's all-around performance was a sight to behold, and he quickly became the talk of the town.
The game started with a bang, as both teams displayed their offensive prowess. The Lakers shot an impressive 55% from the field, while the Kings were even hotter, shooting 87% to begin. Hachimura carried the scoring load early on for the Lakers, while Nique Clifford and Drew Eubanks kept Sacramento in the game with their combined efforts.
And this is the part most people miss...
Luka Dončić, despite missing a few shots, quickly reached double digits, showcasing his consistency. Marcus Smart, in his first game as a Laker, drained a 3-pointer and displayed his defensive skills, setting the tone for his dominant performance.
As the first quarter came to a close, the Lakers found themselves down by two points. The second period saw Jarred Vanderbilt and Zach LaVine take over, with Hayes continuing his aggressive play for the Lakers. Vincent, who was on fire from beyond the arc, knocked down 3 straight triples, while Ayton started to find his rhythm.
Controversial Interpretation: Should the Lakers have utilized Vincent's hot hand more in the first half? Discuss!
Neither team could establish a significant lead, and at halftime, the Lakers were up by 3 points. The third quarter saw Vincent continue his impressive shooting, while former Laker Dennis Schröder kept the Kings in the game with his scoring.
The Lakers built a double-digit lead, thanks to some timely triples. Hachimura's 4-for-4 performance from deep was a highlight, and 4 of the Lakers' 5 starters reached double figures.
Comment Hook: Who impressed you the most in this game? Share your thoughts!
As the game progressed, Smart found his offensive groove, scoring consistently. The Lakers entered the fourth quarter with a 4-point lead, but the Kings fought back.
Luka's back-to-back 3-pointers kept the Lakers in the game, but it was Smart's all-around brilliance that kept them in contention. With the game on the line, the Lakers had a chance to secure a rebound and keep it close, but Sacramento's Maxime Raynaud converted a crucial layup, giving them a 3-point lead.
Dalton Knecht's clutch 3-pointer tied the game with just 1.4 seconds left. In a controversial call, Nick Smith Jr.'s defensive play was deemed a foul, and Jones made one of his free throws, giving the Kings a slim lead.
With 0.8 seconds remaining, the Lakers needed a miracle, but it wasn't to be.
Key Takeaways:
- Marcus Smart is set to become a fan favorite, with his all-around game and willingness to do the dirty work.
- The Luka-Ayton connection is almost there, but consistency is key.
- The Lakers' next challenge awaits on opening night of the 2025-2026 season against the Golden State Warriors.
Follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians for more Lakers insights and analysis.
