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Lakers Stumble in Preseason Finale as LeBron's Absence Looms
18 Oct
Summary
- Lakers lose 117-116 to Kings in final preseason game
- Luka Doncic stars with 31 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds
- LeBron James sidelined until at least November due to injury
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers are still searching for their footing. In their final preseason game on 2025-10-14, the Lakers suffered a narrow 117-116 defeat to the Sacramento Kings.
Despite a dazzling 31-point, 9-assist, 5-rebound effort from star Luka Doncic, the Lakers were unable to hold off a late Kings comeback. The Lakers were also without superstar LeBron James, who remains sidelined until at least November due to a sciatica issue in his right side.
Lakers coach JJ Redick experimented with different lineups throughout the preseason, including adding guard Gabe Vincent to the starting unit alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves. Vincent continued his strong preseason, scoring 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting with four made three-pointers.
However, the Lakers' new-look roster has yet to fully click, as evidenced by their narrow loss to the Kings, who were missing several key players. The team will need to quickly find its rhythm before the regular season begins on 2025-10-22, as LeBron's extended absence will force the Lakers to adapt.
