Lakers Dominate Kings in Season Opener
Monday, October 5, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Golden 1 Center
Los Angeles Lakers 127, Sacramento Kings 103, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Los Angeles Lakers vs Sacramento Kings?
Los Angeles Lakers beat Sacramento Kings 127-103 at Golden 1 Center on October 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Los Angeles Lakers vs Sacramento Kings?
Los Angeles Lakers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The favorite won.
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a decisive victory against the Sacramento Kings, winning 127-103 at the Golden 1 Center. This matchup was notable as it marked the beginning of the series between these two teams for the season, with the next game scheduled for November 4. The Lakers came into this game with a strong away record of 1-0, while the Kings were looking to bounce back from an opening loss, bringing their record to 0-1.
In terms of recent form, the Kings have struggled, with a record of 3-7 over their last ten games. They are currently on a one-game losing streak and have averaged 110.7 points scored while allowing 121.0 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games show a slight improvement with an average of 113.0 points scored, but they still allowed 120.2 points. The Kings have performed better at home, holding a 2-1 record in their last three home games.
Conversely, the Lakers have been in good form, winning seven of their last ten games and currently riding a three-game winning streak. They have averaged 116.2 points scored and allowed 112.2 points during this stretch. Their recent success includes a solid away performance, where they have a record of 2-2, indicating they can compete effectively on the road.
The two teams have faced each other four times this season, with the Kings winning only once. Their last meeting was on March 2, where the Kings lost 104-128 to the Lakers. This pattern of the Kings struggling against the Lakers continued in this latest matchup.
Injuries played a role in the game, with several players listed as day-to-day. For the Kings, Keegan Murray, Malik Monk, and Ben Simmons were all uncertain due to undisclosed reasons, rest, and undisclosed reasons, respectively. The Lakers also had their share of injury concerns, with Arthur Kaluma, Collin Sexton, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler all listed as day-to-day with various ailments.
The betting market reflected the Lakers' strong position coming into the game, with DraftKings setting the spread at 3.5 points in favor of the Lakers and the total points line at 228.5. The money line showed the Kings at +130.0 and the Lakers at -155.0, indicating a clear expectation of a Lakers victory.
Conditions for the game were typical for an indoor basketball matchup, with no significant weather factors impacting play. Fans could expect to see a high-paced game, given both teams' scoring capabilities, but the Lakers' defensive prowess ultimately stifled the Kings' efforts.
Key moments in the game included a series of scoring plays in the fourth quarter that highlighted the Lakers' dominance. Cameron Carr contributed with free throws, while Nique Clifford and Chris Manon added crucial points to extend the Lakers' lead. The Kings managed to score late in the game, but it was clear that the outcome was already decided, with the Lakers maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the contest.
Overall, the Lakers showcased their strength and depth, while the Kings will need to regroup and address their defensive issues moving forward in the season.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming NBA matchup between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers promises to be an intriguing contest as both teams gear up for the new season. This game will take place at the Golden 1 Center on October 6, 2026, and marks the beginning of their series, which is set to start on November 4. Both teams enter this game with a clean slate, as they both hold a record of 0-0.
In terms of recent form, the Sacramento Kings have had a mixed bag of results in their last five games, winning two and losing three. Their most recent victory came against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 4, 2026, where they won 117-113. However, they followed that up with losses against the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and the Portland Trail Blazers, indicating some inconsistency as they averaged 113.0 points scored and allowed 120.2 points in their last five games. Their overall record in the last ten games stands at 3-7, with an average of 110.7 points scored and 121.0 points allowed.
The Kings have performed better at home than on the road, holding a home record of 2-1 in their last ten games, while their away record is a disappointing 1-6. This home advantage could play a crucial role in their performance against the Lakers.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers have been in better form recently, boasting a record of 7-3 in their last ten games. They come into this matchup on a three-game winning streak, with their last victory occurring on April 13, 2026, against the Utah Jazz, where they secured a commanding 131-107 win. In their last five games, the Lakers averaged 113.2 points scored and 108.0 points allowed, showcasing a solid offensive and defensive balance. Their away record in the last ten games is 2-2, while they have an impressive home record of 5-1.
Historically, the Kings have struggled against the Lakers, with a head-to-head record of 1-3 in their last four meetings during the current season. Their most recent encounter was on March 2, 2026, where the Kings lost 104-128. They did manage a victory against the Lakers earlier in the season on January 13, 2026, winning 124-112 at home, which could provide them with some confidence heading into this game.
In terms of injuries, both teams have several players listed as day-to-day. For the Kings, Keegan Murray, Malik Monk, and Ben Simmons are all uncertain due to undisclosed reasons or rest. The Lakers are also dealing with injury concerns, with Arthur Kaluma, Collin Sexton, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler all listed as day-to-day due to various lower body and ankle injuries. The status of these players could significantly impact the game, depending on who is available to play.
The betting market has set the Los Angeles Lakers as 3.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total points line of 228.5. The odds for the Lakers to win outright are -155, while the Kings are at +130. The spread and total points suggest that the market expects a competitive game, with both teams capable of scoring.
As for the conditions of the game, it will be played indoors at the Golden 1 Center, providing a controlled environment for both teams to showcase their talents. Fans should watch for how the Kings respond to their recent struggles against the Lakers and whether they can leverage their home court advantage. The performance of the Lakers, particularly their ability to maintain their winning streak, will also be a focal point. With both teams looking to make a statement early in the season, this matchup is sure to be one to watch.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LAL -3.5 | 228.5 o -105 / u -115 | Los Angeles Lakers -155 · Sacramento Kings +130 |
Injury report
- Keegan MurrayDay-To-DayUndisclosedSacramento Kings
- Malik MonkDay-To-DayRestSacramento Kings
- Ben SimmonsDay-To-DayUndisclosedSacramento Kings
- Arthur KalumaDay-To-DayLower BodyLos Angeles Lakers
- Collin SextonDay-To-DayLower BodyLos Angeles Lakers
- Austin ReavesDay-To-DayAnkleLos Angeles Lakers
- Walker KesslerDay-To-DayFingerLos Angeles Lakers
Leaders
- PointsNique Clifford23Sacramento Kings
- AssistsDarius Acuff Jr.4Sacramento Kings
- ReboundsDylan Cardwell10Sacramento Kings
- PointsLuka Doncic21Los Angeles Lakers
- AssistsSandro Mamukelashvili5Los Angeles Lakers
- ReboundsKevon Looney9Los Angeles Lakers
Recent form
Sacramento Kings
Last 10: 3-7Streak L1110.7 scored · 121 allowed per game2-1 at home
- L110-122at Portland Trail BlazersApr 13
- W124-118vs Golden State WarriorsApr 11
- L105-110at Golden State WarriorsApr 8
- L109-138vs LA ClippersApr 6
- W117-113vs New Orleans PelicansApr 4
- W123-115at Toronto RaptorsApr 2
- L99-116at Brooklyn NetsMar 29
- L113-123at Atlanta HawksMar 28
- L117-121at Orlando MagicMar 26
- L90-134at Charlotte HornetsMar 24
Los Angeles Lakers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W3116.2 scored · 112.2 allowed per game2-2 away
- W131-107vs Utah JazzApr 13
- W101-73vs Phoenix SunsApr 11
- W119-103at Golden State WarriorsApr 10
- L87-123vs Oklahoma City ThunderApr 8
- L128-134at Dallas MavericksApr 5
- L96-139at Oklahoma City ThunderApr 3
- W127-113vs Cleveland CavaliersApr 1
- W120-101vs Washington WizardsMar 31
- W116-99vs Brooklyn NetsMar 28
- W137-130at Indiana PacersMar 25
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Lakers | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| LA Clippers | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Phoenix | 1 | 1 | L1 | .000 | 0 |
| Golden State | 1 | 1 | L1 | .000 | 0 |
| Sacramento | 1 | 1 | L1 | .000 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Los Angeles Lakers | Sacramento Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 41-82 | 37-82 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 20-44 | 4-23 |
| Three-point % | 45 | 17 |
| Free throws | 25-33 | 25-34 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 46 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 33 |
| Assists | 29 | 20 |
| Steals | 15 | 10 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 21 | 26 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 32 |
| Fast-break points | 24 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 52 |
| Fouls | 31 | 32 |
| Largest lead | 33 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 90 | 6 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter91-74Daeqwon Plowden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter94-74Cameron Carr makes 25-foot three point shot (Jaden Hardy assists)
- 3rd Quarter94-75Daeqwon Plowden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter96-75Sandro Mamukelashvili makes driving layup (Cameron Carr assists)
- 3rd Quarter99-75Cameron Carr makes 25-foot running jump shot (Sandro Mamukelashvili assists)
- 3rd Quarter99-77Daeqwon Plowden makes 3-foot dunk (Alex Karaban assists)
- 4th Quarter99-78Nique Clifford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-78Cameron Carr makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Jake LaRavia assists)
- 4th Quarter102-78Chris Manon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-78Jarred Vanderbilt makes driving layup (Jake LaRavia assists)
- 4th Quarter104-79Nique Clifford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-80Nique Clifford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-82Maxime Raynaud makes running layup (Nique Clifford assists)
- 4th Quarter106-82Jaden Hardy makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter106-84Maxime Raynaud makes two point shot (Emanuel Sharp assists)
- 4th Quarter109-84Jaden Hardy makes 22-foot three point jumper (William Kyle III assists)
- 4th Quarter109-86Maxime Raynaud makes 2-foot dunk (Alex Karaban assists)
- 4th Quarter110-86Chris Manon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-86Chris Manon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-86Chris Manon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-86Cameron Carr makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dalton Knecht assists)
- 4th Quarter115-87Daeqwon Plowden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-88Daeqwon Plowden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-88Jarred Vanderbilt makes 1-foot running dunk (Chris Manon assists)
- 4th Quarter119-88Chris Manon makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter119-90Nique Clifford makes 9-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter119-91Nique Clifford makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter120-91Chris Manon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter121-91Chris Manon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter121-92Dylan Cardwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter121-94Daeqwon Plowden makes 1-foot driving dunk (Emanuel Sharp assists)
- 4th Quarter121-96Emanuel Sharp makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter122-96Cameron Carr makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter123-96Cameron Carr makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter123-99Nique Clifford makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter125-99Chris Manon makes 9-foot step back jumpshot (Jarred Vanderbilt assists)
- 4th Quarter125-101Nique Clifford makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter126-101Chris Manon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter127-101Chris Manon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter127-103Nique Clifford makes 7-foot jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Sacramento Kings, below favours Los Angeles Lakers.
Venue
- Golden 1 CenterSacramento, CA
- Attendance15130
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- Lakers Defeat Kings 116-103 in NBA ClashNov 4, 2026
- Lakers Edge Kings in Close ContestOct 8, 2026
- Lakers Dominate Kings in 128-104 VictoryMar 1, 2026
- Kings Defeat Lakers 124-112 in NBA ClashJan 12, 2026
- Lakers Dominate Kings in Convincing WinDec 28, 2025