Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23)
Key Points
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped their three-game losing skid on Sunday with a much-needed 125-101 blowout win over the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers got the win despite not having the services of Austin Reaves, who is currently out with a calf injury.
James turned in an efficient performance against the Kings with 24 points on 11-of-13 shooting, to go along with three rebounds, five assists, two steals and one triple in 29 minutes of action. Luka Doncic had another big night, too, going off for 34 points, five rebounds, seven assists, three steals, one block and five three-pointers.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward LeBron James (23).
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward LeBron James (23).
It wasn’t just James and Doncic who grabbed headlines on Sunday night, though. Shooting guard Nick Smith Jr. also drew attention with his scoring outburst against the Kings. Smith dropped 21 points off the bench on 8-of-14 shooting with five triples, marking one of his best games in his first season with the Lakers.
Smith took full advantage of his opportunity on Sunday as Reaves’ absence left a big void in L.A.’s backcourt. After the game, James was asked to comment on Smith’s big night. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer had some praise reserved for his young teammate.
“Nobody’s surprised by his ability to score the ball,” James said of Smith. “He’s been doing that his whole life.”
The latest news on Reaves is that he’s expected to be sidelined for at least four weeks after the 27-year-old shooting guard aggravated his calf injury. While this is an unfortunate development for the Lakers, the silver lining is that it gives guys like Smith an opportunity to show what they’re worth.
The Lakers are back in action on Tuesday in a home game against the Detroit Pistons, and it would not be a surprise if Smith makes some noise again in that one.