Lakers vs Kings Picks and Prediction – 12/21/2024

The Saturday NBA schedule will tip off with a rematch between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings from the Golden 1 Center. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Lakers (15-12) are three games below .500 on the road and trail LA by a half-game for fifth place in the Western Conference standings. On Thursday, Los Angeles outscored Sacramento by seven points in the fourth quarter to secure a 113-100 road victory.

Austin Reaves led six players in double figures with 25 points (7-14 FG), six rebounds, and five assists. All-Star F Anthony Davis contributed 21 points, 19 rebounds, and six blocks. LeBron James added 19 points and seven assists for the Lakers, who converted 25 of 30 free-throw attempts.  

The Sacramento Kings have dropped consecutive games and are two games behind Golden State for tenth place in the Western Conference standings. The Kings (13-15) rank eighth in the league in offensive efficiency and are scoring 116.1 points per contest. During Thursday’s home loss, Sacramento turned the ball over 17 times and was outrebounded by a 53-43 margin. 

Sacramento G De’Aaron Fox tallied a game-high 26 points on 7-for-17 shooting and dished out five assists. Domantas Sabonis scored 18 points to go along with 12 rebounds and nine assists. Malik Monk added 17 points and four assists for the Kings, who shot 45 percent from the field. 

Sacramento F Trey Lyles (calf) did not play during Thursday’s loss and is listed as day-to-day. The Kings are the better defensive team and hold the edge on the glass. Take Sacramento to bounce back with a home victory and cover. Final Score Prediction, Sacramento Kings win 118-108.