The search for continued stability remains a focus for the Lakers on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, who have the worst record.
This helps the Lakers stay fully healthy against the Kings, something they have been unable to do almost all season.
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The Lakers, powered by Luka Doncic and LeBron James, defeated the struggling Kings 128-104 at Crypto.com Arena.
Doncic was one of five Lakers players to score in double figures, scoring 28 points on 10-for-16 shooting. He scored 4 three-pointers, had 9 assists and 5 rebounds.
Read more: Luka Doncic and Lakers beat Curry-less Warriors to snap losing streak
James was initially listed as doubtful because of arthritis in his left foot, but he scored 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting in 24 minutes. He hit a three-pointer and dished out five assists.
Hachimura, who missed the first two games due to illness, played 22 minutes and scored 8 points and 2 rebounds.
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Nique Clifford led the Kings (14-48) with 26 points and seven rebounds.
For the second straight game, the Lakers (36-24) benefited from strong shooting. They shot 50% from the field and 46% from three-point range.
One of the most exciting plays of the game occurred in the first quarter when Marcus Smart dove for a loose basketball, then lay on his back and passed the ball to James. The Lakers star then passed the ball to an aggressive Austin Reeves, who took a few dribbles to get the Kings guard to shoot, then passed an alley-oop pass to James for a two-handed dunk.
The crowd went wild. The Kings called a timeout, allowing the Lakers and their fans to soak in the moment.
Lakers star Luka Doncic celebrates after teammate Rui Hachimura (not pictured) made a three-pointer during Sunday’s game against the Kings. (Ronaldo Bolanos/Los Angeles Times)
There was another game in the third quarter when Doncic slipped and almost fell and lost control of the ball. But Doncic regained his balance and hit a three-pointer after taking the ball. The Lakers led by 24 points.
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It was a night full of highlights and fun for the Lakers, with head coach J.J. Redick clearing his bench in the fourth quarter.
Since the All-Star break, the Lakers currently have a record of 3 wins and 3 losses, winning two consecutive games after losing three games in a row.
Before the game, Redick expressed how his team was staying “positive” and staying in the process.
“The world has been down 19 different times and we’ve responded,” Redick said. “Again, we’re looking for that level of consistency. Like I said last night, it’s not always going to be in wins and losses. But we’re confident we’re going to find it.”
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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
