The Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Sacramento Kings in a much-needed bounce back performance
The Los Angeles Lakers were in a rough situation after dropping their third straight game to the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day, a patch that featured blowout losses by the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers as well. Given the team was 15-4 entering December, it was a disappointing stretch for a Lakers team that looked dominant at times.
After their loss on Christmas Day, head coach JJ Redick came out and made it known that something needed to change, whether that was rotations or just effort from certain players on the team. Matching up against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night, they served as a punching bag for a Lakers team looking to make a statement.
Lakers Take Care Of Business In Must-Win Game
The season wasn't going to end if the Lakers didn't beat the Kings, but JJ Redick may have made it seem like that. However, the Lakers secured a 125-101 win over the Kings at home on Sunday night, led by Luka Doncic's game-high 34 points. It wasn't a perfect game by the Lakers by any means, but they responded and put their rough stretch in the review mirror.
During the postgame press conference, Redick addressed what he liked from his team on Sunday night.
"This is the first game we've had all year where we won all four quarters. I think that says a lot about the approach and consistent mentality that we played with tonight," Redick shared.
The Lakers won every quarter by a margin of at least four, with their most dominant effort coming in their 38-29 second-quarter performance.
As for the positives to take away from the game, it was an improved effort on the glass for the Lakers, out-rebounding Sacramento 41-39, despite them having the edge in offensive rebounds. In addition, the Lakers won the turnover battle 19-15, but having 15 turnovers still isn't something to be satisfied with.
Additionally, the scored more points off turnovers, on fast breaks, and in the paint, as well as shot the ball 39% from three, a major improvement given their struggles this season.
What's Next For The Lakers?
Beating the Kings was a fine performance, but the Lakers aren't going to face teams at the same level as Sacramento every night. Up next for the Lakers will be the Detroit Pistons, who should be feeling motivated after consecutive losses to the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers.
Whether or not the Pistons are really as good as their record says, the Lakers can't consider over- or under-looking them on Tuesday night.