In a game of runs, the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Sacramento Kings for an 99-86 win. The win was the Lakers second in a row, a modest accomplishment but if nothing else further distances the team from their recent nine-game losing streak.
After falling into an early deficit, the Lakers responded with a 19-0 run in the first quarter and led by as many as 18 points in the first half. But the Kings steadily chipped away at their deficit and even took a lead in the third quarter.
A string of 3-pointers, with Brook Lopez heavily involved, sparked a Lakers run in which they pushed back ahead and never relinquished their lead. Lopez finished with 18 points, with five of his six baskets coming from behind the arc.
Although Lonzo Ball had a rough shooting night, his activity on the glass and in controlling the tempo netted him a double-double. Ball had five points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
While it was a team effort Tuesday night, Julius Randle was arguably the standout player for the Lakers. He scored a team-high 22 points, to go along with 14 rebounds and six assists. Though if there was a downside, Randle turned the ball over six times.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had his second consecutive strong night, scoring 16 points on 5-for-11 shooting.
The Lakers bench was largely quiet, with Jordan Clarkson, Kyle Kuzma and Larry Nance Jr. combining for just 23 points.
De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 15 points, and Buddy Hield had 13 points. Hield did the bulk of his damage from 3-point territory, where he made 3-of-4 attempts.
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