NBA League Pass Top Matchup: Kings vs. Lakers (10:30 ET)

The Lakers are riding high after a thrilling holiday matchup where LeBron James and Austin Reaves combined forces to secure a dramatic last-second victory against the Golden State Warriors. With a 4-1 record in their last five games, including consecutive wins over the Kings, the Lakers are in a strong position. On the other hand, Sacramento is looking to break their five-game losing streak and will be determined to put an end to their recent struggles.

Here are five things to know ahead of Saturday’s game. 

1. James turns 40 on Monday:

James will celebrate his 40th birthday on Monday, Dec. 30. James has left his mark on the league for more than 20 years, and he continues to play at an elite level. He’s led the Lakers in scoring over their last three games and is putting up 25.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 8.4 assists while shooting 50% from the field since returning from a two-game absence. 

2. Reaves on the rise:

Reaves played hero in the Lakers’ 115-113 win over the Warriors on Christmas when he recorded his first triple-double of the season, including the game-winning layup in the final second. Reaves finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists and became just the 10th player in NBA history to have a triple-double on Christmas Day. 

3. Sacramento’s search for a big win:

The Kings have dropped their last five games to put them at 13-18 overall. Their last win came on Dec. 12 against the New Orleans Pelicans.

De’Aaron Fox

,

Domantas Sabonis

and

DeMar DeRozan

are all averaging better than 20 points per game, but the Kings’ offensive rating during the losing streak is 105.5, good for 26th in the NBA during that stretch. 

4. Fox leading the charge:

In the last five games, Fox is averaging 27 points and 7.5 assists per game. Fox is currently the seventh leading scorer in the NBA and owns the season-high for points in a game with 60. 

5. A dominant Sabonis:

Sabonis has been stellar for the Kings this season with 21.1 points, 13.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists while shooting 60.3% from the field and 41.8% from 3-point range in 36 minutes per contest. Over his last eight games, he’s averaging 21.5 points, 15.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists, recording double-doubles in each.