Kings’ late run against the Lakers highlights the good and the bad

The Sacramento Kings mounted a second-half comeback but fell short in a 114-110 preseason defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers. After trailing 59-41 at halftime, Sacramento rallied behind a dominant fourth quarter to outscore Los Angeles 67-57 in the second half. The writer views the narrow loss as a mixed bag that demonstrated both defensive struggles and resilient late-game effort.

Sacramento played without Keegan Murray, Malik Monk, Ben Simmons, and Domantas Sabonis, leaving Maxime Raynaud to start at center against a Lakers lineup featuring Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Precious Achiuwa led the Kings in scoring, while two-way player Jonathan Mogbo contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals off the bench.